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Francophone summit opens in Cambodia amid Rwanda-DR Congo rift | Conflict News

Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda clash over who should lead the organisation of French-speaking nations.

Leaders of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) are meeting in Cambodia amid a dispute between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda over who should lead the association of French-speaking nations, which threatens to split the group.

The OIF is holding a three-day summit in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, through Monday. A loose confederation of 90 states and governments where French is spoken or widely used, the OIF has 53 full members, five associate members and 32 observers.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, who chaired the last summit in 2024 and will hand the chair to Cambodia, arrived on Saturday and met Prime Minister Hun Manet, The Associated Press news agency reported.

About 20 leaders are expected, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vietnamese President To Lam, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi.

A fight over the top job

On Monday, leaders will choose the organisation’s next secretary-general for a four-year term.

Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has led the OIF since 2018, is seeking a third term.

The DRC, however, which accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 armed group in the country’s east, has threatened to leave the OIF if she is re-elected. Congo, the United States and United Nations experts say Rwanda backs the M23, one of about 100 armed groups in the mineral-rich region.

Rwanda denies the allegations.

On Saturday, the DRC withdrew its candidate, Juliana Lumumba, the daughter of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, and backed Romanian former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos to allow “consensus around a unifying candidacy”.

Rwanda’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said Mushikiwabo would stay in the race. Mauritania’s Coumba Ba, a former minister, is also running, the AFP news agency reported.

Macron’s office said that most members agreed on the need for consensus and that he would take it up with his African counterparts. France is the biggest contributor to the OIF’s 2026 budget of 71.7 million euros ($79m).

Rwanda has said Macron asked Kagame to withdraw its candidate and that Kigali refused, AFP reported.

The DRC has a population of more than 110 million, roughly 40 million more than France, and is the most populous country where French is an official language. Its exit would be a blow to the organisation, which lost Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which announced their withdrawals in March 2025 following suspensions over military coups.

Cambodia in the spotlight

The summit’s slogan is “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”. Activists see it as a chance to press Cambodia, a de facto one-party state, on rights.

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews urged delegates to press for the release of detained activists. “No one should be detained for defending human rights, reporting on matters of public concern, or voicing critical opinions,” he said.

Macron arrived as France faces widespread protests at home. He is due to visit the Angkor World Heritage Site on Monday before leaving for Malaysia.

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Huge Christmas market that’s ‘one of the best’ opens in beautiful UK city

There are over 70 stalls to explore and events to take part in

Christmas is now just six weeks away, and the festive spirit is already starting to arrive in towns and cities across the UK. Markets have been popping up, transforming streets into winter wonderlands.

This weekend marks the opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations, which take over the stunning city. The Scottish capital held its first Christmas market in 1999, and it has since grown into a huge event.

It is considered one of the UK’s best and most picturesque winter festivals, with visitors flocking from across the world. The city centre is filled with traditional markets, funfair rides, attractions, music concerts, community events and family-friendly performances.

The celebrations are set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the grand Georgian streets. Visitors can enjoy a drink in the Polar Ice Bar or the Coorie Inn or take part in pub quizzes, wreath-making and candle-making workshops.

For thrill seekers, there is a big wheel, Helter Skelter, vintage carousel ride, waltzers and dodgems.

Where is Edinburgh’s Christmas market?

The Christmas celebrations are spread out across Edinburgh’s city centre. West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Bistro Square have all been transformed for the festive season.

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When does it open?

Edinburgh Christmas opens on Saturday, November 14 and runs all the way until January 3. East Princes Street Gardens’ celebrations are open daily from 10am until 10pm, with some changes to the hours during the week of Christmas.

It will be closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the market will run from 10am to 8pm, and on Boxing Day from 12pm to 8pm. New Year’s Eve will be open from 10am to 5pm, and from 12pm to 8pm on New Year’s Day. The final day, January 3, will be open 10am until 8pm.

West Princes Street Gardens has slightly different hours. From November 14 until December 6, it will be open from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, from 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Friday, and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday.

From December 7 to December 18, it will be open from 12pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. It will also be closed on Christmas Day.

The Coorie Inn, George Street, will be open daily from 12pm until late, and will be closed until December 25. Visitors have been urged to check the opening times when planning their visit, as they are subject to change.

How to get to Edinburgh Christmas

The events are spread across the city, with many different transport options available. Lothian Buses runs over 70 bus routes in and around Edinburgh.

The trams can also be used, with stops at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End. Edinburgh Waverley train station is around a two-minute walk from East Princes Street Gardens.

The nearest coach station is Edinburgh Bus Station, which is around a six-minute walk away. There are no designated car parks for the event, but there are car parks across the city centre.

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World’s first Harry Potter themed Christmas market opens this year just 2 hours from UK

Calling all fans of the wizarding world, a special Harry Potter Christmas market will be taking place for the first time ever this year for some sorcery during the festive season

Nothing beats wandering around a Christmas market with a cup of steaming mulled wine to the sound of merry jingles, while browsing the wooden chalets stocked with gifts and seasonal goodies. And it’s about to get a lot better, as a new Harry Potter Christmas market is opening for the very first time.

In a world first, the new Christmas market launching this year will feature designs in the style of those in the new Harry Potter HBO series, which is set to be released on 25 December, 2026, along with cabins and themed culinary offerings. Yet, those eager to discover a slice of the wizarding world will need to plan a festive getaway and catch a short flight to Germany, where it will be held.

In an announcement from Skydance, which has merged with Paramount, they confirmed: “The magic of Hogwarts is coming to Munich: To celebrate the launch of the new HBO Original series ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ HBO Max is transforming Munich’s Praterinsel into an enchanting Christmas market. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the new HBO Original series even before the premiere.

“From November 28th to December 6th, Praterinsel will be transformed into a festive world of experiences, designed entirely in the style of the new series. In a Christmas atmosphere, guests can get a first glimpse of the HBO Original series, right in the heart of Munich and even before its official premiere.”

They further explained: “The Christmas market is inspired by ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and offers many activities and attractions for fans of all ages. Atmospheric photo opportunities in the style of the series invite visitors to capture memories of their visit. Food and other culinary offerings inspired by the ‘Harry Potter’ world bring the magic to the table. Guests can also expect further surprises.”

The Harry Potter Christmas Market will take place on Praterinsel in Munich, but you’ll have to plan accordingly if you want to visit, as it won’t be there for long. The spellbinding event will only be held from Saturday, 28 November until Sunday, 6 December, 2026, yet there’s still plenty of time to book your festive escape to experience the magic.

Skydance added: “With the transformation of Praterinsel, HBO Max brings the magic of one of the world’s most popular stories to the Bavarian capital and gets fans in the mood for the start of the new HBO Original series in a very special way.”

As Potter fans eagerly wait for the market to arrive, a huge amount of excitement has already been sparked. One commented on a Reddit post: “I’m going and am so excited!! I’ve been looking forward to this show for YEARS now, so I’m so happy that finally there is an event in my area where I can celebrate it.”

“Omg this is amazing,” another shared on Instagram, while another declared, “We need to go to Germany”. Others raised concerns about what it will actually include. However, one local had some reassurance. “Christmas markets in Germany are usually great as it is. I would go regardless if I was anywhere near Munich and had the time off work,” they shared.

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Iran opens training camp for women in readiness for war | Military

Iran has opened its first all-women military training camp amid fears of renewed US attacks. Dozens of female ‘Janfadayan’, volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for Iran, took part in military exercises at Tehran’s Azadi Square.

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COP31 opens amid energy crisis as activists demand climate action | Climate Crisis News

COP31 has opened in Turkiye amid war-driven energy disruptions and a renewed reliance on fossil fuels. While delegates discuss electrification and climate action, activists outside the summit are demanding an end to greenwashing and a shift away from industrial agriculture.

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Helen Flanagan reveals secret to making her bum look bigger as she opens up about body insecurities after child birth

HELEN Flanagan has revealed her secret to making her bum look bigger as she opened up about her body insecurities after childbirth.

The Coronation Street actress, 35, is a mum-of-three to Matilda, 10, and Delilah, seven, and five-year-old son Charlie.

Helen Flanagan has revealed her secret to making her bum look bigger Source: Instagram/@hjgflanagan
She opened up about her body insecurities after child birth Source: Instagram/@hjgflanagan

Taking to Instagram, Helen looked as stunning as ever in a sparkling green gown as she enjoyed a night out.

The TV star revealed: “My friend took this pic of me and I love this dress it’s insane.

“Since I had Charlie my stomach always sticks out a bit if I wear anything tight fitting as he was my third.

“It used to annoy me but I don’t care now it’s quite beautiful how our bodies change as women from carrying babies.”

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Helen looked stunning in the sparkly green gown Source: Instagram/@hjgflanagan
She finally feels confident and proud of her curves Source: Instagram/@hjgflanagan

Helen then posted a throwback clip from when Charlie was a baby.

The video showed her standing in front of a mirror in her underwear, as she pinched and pulled at her slender frame.

She captioned the clip: “I found this video the other day on my phone when Charlie was a baby.

“It’s quite sad as I was hard on myself. x”

The TV star also cheekily posted another shot of herself looking sultry on a staircase and captioned the image: “Also, yes I wear shapewear in tight dresses to give me a bigger bum.”

Helen previously told The Sun how she “felt lost” until she became a mum.

She parted ways from her long-term fiancé in 2022 after 13 years together and she has been open about how it isn’t always plain sailing.

She was also forced out of her £1million family home by Scott as they never married and the house near Bolton was solely in his name.

Back in January, a friend of Helen’s said: “Scott pays for the house and all the bills and he’s decided a six-bedroom place is way too big for Helen on her own with the kids.

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Biggest Harry Potter shop in Europe with immersive Diagon Alley and full-size Knight Bus opens in the UK TOMORROW

POTTERHEADS will need their wands (and wallets) at the ready as the biggest Harry Potter shop in Europe opens tomorrow.

The enormous store on Oxford Street will be a haven for fans with plenty of photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise and Butterbeer treats.

The biggest Harry Potter shop in Europe will open on Oxford Street tomorrow Source: Getty Images
Inside will be an immersive Diagon Alley and photo opportunities Source: Getty

In fact, the shop is so big that it’s the joint biggest Harry Potter store in the world alongside the one already open in New York.

The UK shop will be set across two floors and as visitors first walk into the shop, they’ll be transported to Diagon Alley – the famous shopping street in the franchise.

There will be ‘hidden magical details’ along the way, and you’ll be likely spot familiar stores like Ollivanders Wand Shop and Flourish and Blotts.

Visitors should watch out for the enormous dragon that towers over Gringotts Bank.

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At the Leaky Cauldron pub, shoppers can take a break from browsing and enjoy a refreshing pint of Butterbeer.

They will also serve up Butterbeer Ice Cream and other sweet treats.

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the store including one inside a full-sized purple Knight Bus – so you’ll feel fully immersed in the action.

Inside the Oxford Street shop will be exclusive merch for sale including a Diagon Alley wand, a Harry Potter Funko Pop and artwork.

There’s also the Hogwarts Bear Ceremony – an interactive experience where fans can ‘celebrate the magic of the Sorting Ceremony’.

It will also sell goodies like knitwear (think Ron’s Weasley’s jumper from the Philosopher’s Stone), as well as gift and even Christmas decorations.

The new shop sells exclusive merchandise including a Diagon Alley wand Source: harrypottershop

There will be an option to personalise the products too including customised house robes, exclusive trunks and notebooks.

You can even get a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter personalised with your name and address.

The store will join the King’s Cross Shop as the only official Harry Potter retail destinations in the UK.

Celebrating the announcement of the magical new store, Karl Durrant, Warner Bros senior vice-president of worldwide retail, said: “Following the success of our Harry Potter shops around the globe, opening the Harry Potter Shop in London is a truly special milestone.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring the magic back to the city where Harry Potter’s story began.

“There’s no better place to create a destination that celebrates the magic, creativity and storytelling that has captivated generations of fans around the world.

“Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve walked straight into Diagon Alley. Every detail has been designed to transport fans into the wizarding world.”

The shop on Oxford Street will open ahead of the new HBO series launching on Christmas Day.

Visitors can try out the new and immersive Hogwarts Bear Ceremony Source: harrypottershop
It comes ahead of the new HBO series which launches on Christmas Day Source: Aidan Monaghan/HBO Max/PA Wire



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Greenland opens new international airport to lure tourists as it eyes future independence

Greenland has opened a new international airport, seeking to lure visitors from around the world as the Arctic island looks toward eventual independence from Denmark.

The inaugural international flight between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ilulissat, Greenland Thursday was part of the island government’s efforts to grow its tourism industry to boost and diversify an economy still reliant on fishing.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the new airport as “one of the biggest investments” in the island’s history. Nielsen was one of 169 passengers on Thursday’s 4.5-hour flight on an Airbus A330neo. An Associated Press journalist also took the flight, operated by government-owned Air Greenland, as part of a trip organized by tourism agency Visit Greenland, for this story.

“If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business,” Nielsen told the AP before the plane departed.

The strategic island, home to roughly 56,000 people, has been a focus of President Trump since his first term, when he initially expressed his desire to acquire Greenland. His repeated threats to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally, during his second term prompted months of tensions with other NATO allies. In September, Trump signed an agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

“There’s no doubt that it has been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland,” said Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who also took the inaugural flight. “The opening of this new international airport marks, I think, hope and optimism.”

New international airports seek to lure new visitors

Ilulissat, known as the “City of Icebergs,” sits along the island’s western coast and is home to some 5,000 people. Greenland’s third-largest city is also one of the island’s most-visited destinations. More than 342 miles north of the capital, Nuuk, its tourism offerings range from sled dog tours to icefjord cruises in picturesque Disko Bay, known for its towering icebergs.

Previously, travelers reaching Ilulissat had to arrive by cruise ship, take a small plane from Iceland or fly to one of Greenland’s international hubs and connect to smaller aircraft. There are no road connections from other big towns.

For decades, Greenland’s main international aviation gateways were former U.S. military air bases, distant echoes of World War II, in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq. Locals and international visitors had to land there before catching smaller aircraft to the island’s major towns, including Ilulissat and Nuuk. That changed in late 2024, when an international airport opened in Nuuk.

United Airlines last year began a new seasonal route between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey. The inaugural flight was the first direct from the U.S. to Greenland by an American airline.

The Ilulissat airport, meanwhile, has a 53,820 square feet terminal and a new 1.37-mile runway, long enough to accommodate larger passenger aircraft. Air Greenland has committed to as many as six weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat during next year’s peak summer months, and Icelandair will also fly large jets from its Keflavik hub. Jens R. Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, said the company is also hoping to lure airlines in the U.S. and mainland Europe to serve Ilulissat.

“It’s quite wonderful that you can go directly right now,” said Kirsten Berthelsen, a 35-year-old Ilulissat resident and student who booked a ticket for Thursday’s flight without realizing it was the inaugural service. “Sometimes it’s quite difficult to travel from Nuuk and to other countries.”

Tourism boom remains elusive

While the number of international visitors to Greenland has grown by at least 65% since 2018, reaching almost 150,000 in 2024, the expected travel boom has yet to materialize. In 2024, tourism accounted for less than 5% of the territory’s GDP. Infrastructure, including hotel capacity, remains limited.

Aalborg University associate professor Carina Ren, who specializes in Arctic tourism, said some U.S. tourists were even deterred from visiting the island because of the recent Trump standoff, with a few canceling their flights.

“I’ve heard of people canceling their bookings, but also others canceling because they were afraid that perhaps they would not be welcomed,” she said, adding that many Americans still visit, particularly on cruise ships.

Even so, there are some local concerns about mass tourism and potential damage to Greenland’s fragile nature.

Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, said he fears the city’s environment, population and infrastructure may be overwhelmed by too many visitors.

“How many can we invite?” he said. “We are welcoming all the tourists, it’s a possibility to earn some new money.”

He added: “But we have to be careful.”

Brooks writes for the Associated Press.

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Corrie star Will Mellor breaks down in tears as he opens up about alcohol and gambling struggles

CORONATION Street star Will Mellor broke down in tears as he came clean on his alcohol and gambling battles.

Actor Will, who shot to fame as Jambo Bolton in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks in 1995, previously told how he turned to booze following his dad’s tragic death from cancer.

Actor Will Mellor broke down in tears as he outlined his battles with alcohol and gambling Credit: Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place/ Youtube
The Harvey Gaskell screen star told how he ‘wasn’t a good person’ after his sister’s passingCredit: Not known clear with picture desk

The soap star, who also lost sister Joanne to a heart attack in 2012, aged 44, bravely told the Happy Place podcast how he “slipped into a dark place” and “wasn’t a good person” after her passing.

Will, 50, said he “didn’t want to get out of bed” and he “hated himself” for turning to his demons.

He apologised to anchor Fearne Cotton as he wiped tears from his eyes and confessed: “I struggle with my emotions, they are on the surface all the time and when I talk about these things its because I care and I can’t help it”.

Will detailed the struggles that led to his harmful life choices and said: “I never thought I would find myself in that cloud and not see colour any more.

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Will, 50, said he gambled and boozed to ‘try to find a high’ Credit: Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place/ Youtube
Will’s sister Joanne died of a heart attack in 2012, aged 44 Credit: willmellor76/ Instagram

“Because I couldn’t protect her [his late sister] any more, I couldn’t change it.

“And that’s what the killer is, because I always thought I could fix things, I will do anything to help people if I can – and I couldn’t help her”.

He added: “I just did the wrong thing drinking, gambling, trying to find a high in life, which sent me further down the hole.

“I hated myself for it.

“But I got through it, my wife got me through it”.

Will is married to dancer and dance school owner Michelle McSween.

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Will – who played drugs lord Harvey Gaskell in ITV soap Corrie – previously opened up on his poor mental health in the rough patch.

He said: “I had to stop feeling guilty about things, that I couldn’t do any more for my sister, you put things onto yourself – it was a vicious cycle and I had to get out of it. 

“When my dad passed I saw the signs and didn’t go that deep. Obviously lockdown didn’t help, when you don’t have to be up in the morning there’s no excuse not to have a few drinks. 

“You have a word with yourself, I was sick of feeling rubbish and now I feel great.”

The Two Pints star added: “My mindset is better. You can’t change a situation but you can change yourself, the repetition of what you’re doing and keep an eye out for those little triggers”.

As well as Hollyoaks and Corrie, Will has also appeared in EastEnders, Casualty, Broadchurch and – more recently – Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

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Burnham opens door to formal apology for Britain’s slave trade | Slavery News

The prime minister has ruled out financial reparations despite longstanding Caribbean demands ahead of Commonwealth leaders’ summit.

Britain’s prime minister has opened the door to a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations.

Andy Burnham set out his position in a Guardian article on Friday, ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit  in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday.

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The Commonwealth comprises 56 countries, mostly former British colonies, whose Caribbean members have long pressed Britain to acknowledge slavery’s legacy and offer redress.

Burnham offered structured talks with countries and campaign groups affected by slavery, including discussions on whether Britain should issue an official state apology.

“Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and I am open to them,” Burnham wrote.

He expressed “sorrow and regret” for the suffering of millions of enslaved people, but rejected calls for financial compensation.

“I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different laws and in which they played no personal part,” he said.

The stance maintains the position of previous British governments, despite his willingness to discuss an apology.

Instead, he proposed an international effort to ease the debt burden on poorer nations by extending repayment periods and cutting interest rates.

Burnham also said that former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will assist with the initiative, adding that more than 40 percent of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries spend more on debt interest than on healthcare.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the opening for talks but reiterated her government’s position on reparations.

In a statement reported by the Guardian on Saturday, she said cooperation could also cover healthcare, education, development and fairer borrowing terms.

Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is hosting the summit, welcomed the debt initiative and promises of cooperation on renewable energy.

CARICOM, the regional bloc of Caribbean countries, has drawn up a 10-point plan for reparations.

Its demands go beyond payments to include an apology, support for health and education, as well as measures to address the economic and social damage left by slavery.

The dispute surfaced at the last Commonwealth summit in Samoa in 2024, when leaders called for discussions about reparations, despite opposition from then Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

King Charles III will also attend the summit. However, Buckingham Palace has said he will not issue a formal apology for slavery during his trip, despite calls from countries in the region.

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One of the world’s least visited countries opens huge new £197million airport

IT’S now easier than ever to get to the world’s largest non-continental island.

Greenland has opened a new airport in Ilulissat – the country’s third largest town.

Passengers disembarking from an Air Greenland plane using mobile stairs in Ilulissat, Greenland.
Greenland has opened a brand new airport Credit: AP

The country is one of the least visited in the world, only welcoming 180,000 tourists a year (for comparison, the US welcomes that many tourists per day, on average).

The airport aims to connect Greenland to the rest of the world, costing an estimated 1.77billion DKK (£197million).

It is the third new airport to open in the country since 2024 as part of a huge project costing around £700million.

The new airport has a 2,200 metre runway which can host larger aircraft, allowing for international flights and as a result, making Greenland easier to get to.

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There’s also a passenger terminal that sprawls across 5,000 square metres for departures and arrivals.

One of the airlines that operates at the airport is Air Greenland, with domestic flights between Ilulissat Airport and destinations including Nuuk, Aasiaat, Qaarsut and Upernavik.

Air Greenland also launched a direct route between Ilulissat and Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen this week, which takes around six hours.

And Icelandair will operate a seasonal service between Keflavík and Ilulissat from June 3 to October 16, 2027.

The airport is currently ramping up its operations gradually but is set to be fully operation by summer 2027.

Aerial view of Ilulissat's new international airport runway situated along a coast with icy waters and snowy mountains in the background.
It is the third airport to open in the country in two years Credit: Visit Greenland/Greenland Airports
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports said: “The opening is a historic milestone for Ilulissat, for North Greenland, and for all of Greenland.

“The three new airports in Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Qaqortoq fundamentally change how the country is connected internally and how Greenland is connected to the rest of the world.”

Near to the airport is the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see enormous icebergs as well as the local wildlife.

You could even head off on a whale watching excursion.

To get to Ilulissat from the UK, you will need to fly to Copenhagen, taking less than two hours, and then fly onto Iluissat.



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Tiffany Pollard opens up on music future after surprise Zara Larsson collab as she spills all ahead of Big Brother stint

TO some, Tiffany Pollard is the ultimate reality queen, gracing Celebrity Big Brother and many other shows with her own explosive brand of drama.

But it is less well-known that she is now a recording artist as well, thanks to a cheeky sample on Zara Larsson‘s track Hot & Sexy.

Reality queen Tiffany Pollard is now a recording artist Credit: GC Images
The TV star has a cheeky sample on Zara Larsson’s track Hot & Sexy Credit: WireImage

Tiff — who dubs herself the Head Bitch In Charge, or HBIC — speaks the refrain “beautiful, fly, hot and sexy” on the pop princess’s empowering song.

Speaking for the first time about the collab, Tiffany said: “Zara is multi- talented, and for her to come for the HBIC to honour a track blows my mind.

“I was in that studio. It was like I was Beethoven because I wanted to get it right and iconic just for her.

“I was dedicated to the piece and a lot of people dance to it, so we’re happy.”

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The track from Zara’s multi-platinum album Midnight Sun was even played during last week’s Victoria’s Secret catwalk.

But we’re not going to see Tiff on tour with Zara any time soon.

She revealed: “I don’t want to crush dreams or anything like that, but our girl is going to handle it. I’m not gonna be on tour — I got bad knees, honey.”

Tiffany’s back on the reality beat as she begins a stint on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother — a decade on from her career-defining appearance.

Fans will remember her spats with Gemma Collins and the “David’s dead” misunderstanding when housemate Angie Bowie was told her ex-husband had died, but Tiffany thought it was David Gest who had passed away — until others found him asleep in bed.

Today Tiffany heads into a divided house, with the self-proclaimed “hierarchy” of Rochelle Rackham and Philip Regan facing accusations of bullying — but she is ready to take them on.

The outspoken American said: “It’s Halloween week and I’m gonna put the whore in horror.

“I’m gonna listen to people, I’m gonna have an authentic experience but I don’t want to be on my best behaviour.

It’s been a decade since Tiffany’s career-defining appearance on Celebrity Big Brother Credit: Channel 5
Tiffany now begins another stint on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother Credit: Shutterstock

“It’s called the hierarchy? The king and the queen of the house? Oh, please. It’s time for me to knock down the bricks.

“I only go around this life one good time and I want to make sure I’m living it authentically.

“I don’t want to quiet a voice of something that should have been said.

“I have a lot of people who are betting on me to be real and to just say what it is.”

Tiffany will also make time while staying in the UK for some of her favourite British pastimes — including watching Towie, Hollyoaks and tucking into our good old fish and chips.

Just hours before heading on to Big Brother, she said: “Bring all that vinegar. People are so nice here.”

We’ll see if she feels the same following her stint in the spy-on-the-wall house.

  • Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Macklemore opens ‘Free Palestine’ tour in Dublin | Newsfeed

American rapper Macklemore opened his ‘Free Palestine’ tour before a sold-out crowd in Dublin after announcing that all tour proceeds would support organisations helping Palestinians. The three-city tour comes after his exclusion from Ed Sheeran’s concerts following pro-Palestinian remarks.

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Jessie J shares hospital snaps after recent surgery and cancer battle as she opens up about ‘healing’

JESSIE J has opened up about ‘healing’ as she shared a selection of snaps following on from her recent surgery and cancer battle.

The Price Tag singer, 38 – who revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2025 – told fans that she was having second reconstruction surgery last month.

Jessie J shares hospital snaps after recent surgery and cancer battle as she opens up about ‘healing’ Credit: Instagram
Jessie J shares hospital snaps after recent surgery and cancer battle as she opens up about ‘healing’ Credit: Instagram

Jessie announced that she was free of breast cancer in May after having a mastectomy and breast reconstruction in June 2025.

In a recent Instagram post, Jessie shared a mirror selfie of her in a hospital gown with her thumb up, while in another she posed for a picture in her hospital bed.

She also posted some sweet pictures with her son, as well as her signing her Who You Are record, which was released 15 years ago.

In the caption she described each picture, and for one description she wrote: “[thumbs up emoji] to healing.”

jessie’s journey

Jessie J gives health update after second reconstruction surgery


TIME OUT

Jessie J takes social media break to have second cancer reconstruction surgery

The star captioned this post: “[thumbs up emoji] to healing (again)” Credit: Instagram
Jessie also wrote: “Me and this bra [handshake emoji]” alongside this snap Credit: Instagram

She added: “[thumbs up emoji] to healing (again).”

Late last month Jessie gave a health update after her second reconstruction surgery.

The Domino songstress took to her Instagram story to share an update after her second reconstruction.

“So I just got home from my second surgery,” Jessie told her 13.9m followers.

“And it all went well. I just wanted to tell you that it all went okay.”

She added: “Yeah man, life is good. Sending love. Good energy. See you soon.”

The NHS website states reconstruction is “where a new breast is made using a breast implant, or sometimes skin, fat or muscle from another part of your body”.

At the start of the month, Jessie said that the last couple of years had taken their toll and said she was taking a digital cleanse to focus on herself and life off-stage.

She wrote on Instagram: “I want to start this post off by saying I am ok. I am not at my best but very far from my worst. I know people can twist these kinds of posts.

“It’s no secret that the last 2 years have been magical, successful, life changing and extremely busy.

“I have loved the last 2 years mostly, hated it in moments and learnt the most I have ever learnt about myself and what I want from my life and mostly what I want it to FEEL like.”

She outlined all of the major life events she’d been through including moving from the US back to the UK and acting as her own social media manager and stylist.

“The past 2 years has taken a toll on parts of me that I haven’t had time to give space and grace to,” continued Jessie.“Now’s the time. Work has slowed down. So healing speeds up please.

“So I’m tapping out of this [world] for a while and into my real one. To give my mind, body and heart a well needed hug.

“To finally have my second cancer reconstruction surgery, to recharge, heal, to rest, to process, to love on myself and my boy, to water the next chapter of my life and most importantly be present and really live.”

Jessie went on to thank her fans for “holding me up” and said she might check in from time to time with work commitments.

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Prince William opens up on dream music career during shock TV appearance

Prince WIlliam once dreamed about being a policeman before he turned his hand to DJing – but The Prince of Wales has been brutally honest about his talents during a surprise TV interview

Prince WIlliam has revealed his childhood dreams of becoming a DJ live on TV.

He joined Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham on The Graham Norton Show last night. During the episode William was asked whether he had wanted a different career growing up, other than becoming the future King, to which he surprised the audience by saying he had.

His dream role was once to be a policeman, and he even said he wanted to be a DJ. He said: “I did want to be a policeman when I was younger; I thought I could make a good policeman.” Graham interjected saying: “Well, you’re tall.” Then Robert chipped in: “There’s a bit more to it than that mate.”

Graham continued: “Well, you’d look good in the uniform and the hat.” Prince WIlliam added: “I wasn’t on the catwalk. Yeah, being a policeman I thought was quite cool and then I went through a phase of wanting to be a DJ – which didn’t go very well and I came up with a name, I was called DJ Xara with an ‘X’, it wasn’t good.”

Graham asked: “Did you DJ at school parties?” To which Prince William said: “No, I didn’t, I never got that good.”

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The audience is heard laughing along, prompting many royal fans to take to X to comment on the prince’s sense of humour, with many referring to William as “funny”.

One fan commented: “Prince William is articulate, funny and an intelligent decent man,” another added: “Prince William is pretty funny and bet he would look good in a police uniform.”

Another added: “I [red-heart emoji] seeing people realise just how charismatic and funny Prince William is, and that he has absolutely no problem laughing at himself. This clip of him on The Graham Norton Show is the perfect example of that. The poor man was absolutely red in the face from laughing so much.”

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Ozzy knew his epic final gig might kill him, reveals Sharon Osbourne as she opens up about her grief over star’s death

SITTING atop a bat-encrusted throne in front of me and 44,000 other screaming fans at Birmingham’s Villa Park last summer, Ozzy Osbourne took his final bow.

Just 17 days later, the music world was plunged into mourning as wife Sharon announced news of the Black Sabbath legend’s death at the age of 76.

Ozzy Osbourne took his final bow at Birmingham’s Villa Park last summer Credit: Supplied
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne with beloved wife Sharon Credit: Getty

Speaking to me for her only newspaper interview, Sharon reveals Brummie Ozzy — who she was with for 45 years — knew the epic performance might kill him.

“We never told anyone how sick Ozzy was,” Sharon says. “The ­doctors told him if he performed, he might die.

“Ozzy asked how long he had left and they said it was months.

“He said, ‘I’ve had the most amazing life. What is a few more months going to do, with me in pain and being miserable?

Read more on Ozzy Osbourne

Shot in the Dark

Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell gig before death will finally come to big screen


SHARON’S PAIN

Jack Osbourne opens up on Sharon’s grief: ‘I worry, but it won’t end badly’

“I’d rather go my way’. And he did — on the greatest high.

“It was the greatest gift that he could choose this way out.”

Life without Ozzy has been far more difficult than Sharon and their children Aimee, Kelly and Jack ever imagined.

And they have poured all their energy into creating a feature-length film of last year’s Back To The Beginning concert, which is out in cinemas next Wednesday.

Bizarre’s Ellie Henman with Sharon Credit: Supplied
Sharon with Sabbath rocker Tony Iommi at the Back To The Beginning London premiere Credit: Carsten Windhorst & Gerard Hynes

“I am still learning to live with the grief, and that grief will be with me until the day I die,” Sharon says.

“I had counselling in the beginning. And when we watched the movie last week in LA, Aimee had to leave — it was too emotional for her.

“Jack stepped up and helped me with the business and Kelly is dealing with it in her own way.

“I told them we were lucky to have him, and it’s a blessing their dad was so beloved.”

For Sharon, who had Ozzy’s remains returned to their family home in Buckinghamshire, the Prince of Darkness is still very much with her.

“We kept his phone number on and do you know how many of his friends still text him?” she says, with a sad smile.

“Why should you wipe everything out because they have gone?

“I talk to Ozzy, too. I speak to him about everything that is going on.

“I ask, ‘What would you do? Tell me what to do’. We do whatever we can to take ­comfort. People I don’t even know have been so gracious — they come up to me to offer their condolences.

“The other day I was pushing my trolley around M&S and a lady approached to pay her respects. It really is touching that people thought of him so highly.

“The thing about Ozzy is that you didn’t even have to like his music, because people just loved the character.

“He was larger than life, a real softie and funny as f***. I mean, the f****** fights we had . . .  but it always ended in love. “He’d come out with one line which would be so funny, I’d crack and go, ‘Oh, f*** it’. Life is too short.”

Ozzy knew his epic final performance might kill him Credit: Getty
Ozzy and Sharon with kids Kelly and Jack in 2015 Credit: Getty

Ozzy’s death saw an outpouring of grief all over the world, and Birmingham came to a standstill on the day of his funeral.

“I am blessed to have my husband’s friends. They are incredible and they have all been there for us,” Sharon says.

“We got so many messages, and we are still receiving letters, cards and flowers from fans all over the world.

“There was even one letter from King Charles.

“We had the honour of spending some time with him on a few occasions and he was just a ­normal bloke.

“The King loves to laugh . . .  he’s really naughty, and Ozzy loved that.”

Ozzy’s farewell concert on July 5, 2025, saw the great and the good of heavy metal travel to Birmingham to perform, including Sabbath bandmates Bill Ward and Geezer Butler as well as Tony Iommi — who ­supported Sharon at the film’s launch in London on Tuesday.

It is two-and-a-half hours of unbridled rock ’n’ roll joy, with acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Slayer performing Sabbath’s biggest hits.

Sharon admits Ozzy was ­worried about being able to go the distance at the concert, which ran for more than ten hours.

“I was petrified because I didn’t know whether he could get through it,” Sharon explains.

“He was just praying his lungs would work and that he could sing because, along with everything else wrong with him, Ozzy had emphysema.

“He could be great for two days and then on the third day he’d wake up and couldn’t breathe. But it was mind over matter. He wanted to play with Sabbath one last time. He wanted to see his mates and the fans.”

Music legend Ozzy back in 1989 Credit: Getty
Ozzy on stage during his final concert Credit: Getty

Emotions aside, Sharon admits there was non-stop fun backstage.

She told how Hollywood actor Jason Mamoa called and asked for tickets to the show, only to be told on the day he had to compere the entire event.

“I said, ‘Just go and talk to the crowd and introduce the bands’,” Sharon recalls.

“He said, ‘I can’t do that’. So I said: ‘F**k off, you’re an actor!’.”

The concert, which raised more than £8million for local charities, has gone down in music history as the greatest gathering of heavy metal artists of all time.

And Sharon hopes Ozzy’s ­legacy will continue to inspire the next generation.

“People don’t understand how poor Ozzy was [as a child],” she says. “He was born in the Forties and a can of condensed soup and a white bread loaf fed him and his five siblings.

“They all slept on one bed. They didn’t have blankets — they wore coats.

“There was no bathroom, just an outside toilet in a shed.

“He worked so hard to change his life and achieve what he did.

“He was a true working-class hero, and his music will live on forever.”

GREEDY ROCKERS TRIED TO CASH IN ON CONCERT

LAST year Sharon told how one rock band – a household name – tried to profit from Ozzy’s Back To The Beginning fundraiser.

I gasped when she told me who the gutless group was.

Sharon asked me not to run the name of the band, who have a string of No1 albums, because it would make their name mud – and rightly so.

Sharon told me: “It was a charity event but everyone’s expenses were paid for.

“We asked this band for theirs and they came back with a sum over £800,000. I said, ‘F*** off’.

“I explained Metallica were bringing their whole stage set, everything, and their expenses were nowhere near that.

“For this band, it was about money. But this was not a concert to make a profit – it was for charity.

“They were taking the p***.”

If the band’s fans knew, they would be horrified. I hope one day she tells the world who it was.

Trust me, you’d be stunned.

GOT TIME FOR GLASTO, SAM?

Sam Fender is set for a huge 2027 Credit: Getty

SAM FENDER has announced his biggest ever tour, a new album and dropped a big hint that he could headline Glastonbury in 2027.

The Seventeen Going Under singer will hit the road for the first time in 18 months next summer, with stadium shows across the UK and Ireland.

He will play Newcastle’s St. James’ Park on June 3 and 5, followed by Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on June 10.

Then there will be two nights at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 18 and 20, Dublin’s Marlay Park on July 1, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on July 8 and Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on July 15 and 17.

The Proper Massive Stadium Tour will see Sam, right, perform to over 600,000 fans, and tickets go on sale at 9.30am next Friday, October 30.

Sam’s fourth album – a follow-up to 2025’s People Watching – could well be out by then, too, as fans who pre-order it will get access to tickets on Wednesday.

It’s hard not to see the clear gap in Sam’s schedule over Glastonbury weekend though – June 23 to 27.

I’ve heard some exciting whispers about next summer’s event and with Sam on board, it’d be a belter.

RYLAN: STRICTLY IS IN MY DNA

Rylan Clark missed out on a role in Strictly’s presenting line-up Credit: Getty

RYLAN CLARK says he’s thrilled his pal Emma Willis landed the Strictly job after he missed out on a role in the BBC show’s presenting line-up.

In an exclusive chat to celebrate Rylan teaming up with M&M’s to give away free Vue cinema tickets for Halloween, he said: “I love Emma to bits and I’m so over the moon for her. I think her, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are doing a fantastic job.

“Being part of the show for four years hosting It Takes Two, it will always be a part of my DNA.

“I still love watching the show and long may they keep dancing.”

Rylan, inset, who has been going on secret missions for M&M’s by giving cinema-goers jumpscares before handing them free tickets, added: “I hid in a photobooth, a sofa and a ticket machine to give people spooks.

“There was one group that had quite an OTT reaction.

“They were very scared, even when it was revealed it was me, but maybe the teeth scared them off.”


TOM GRENNAN launches his bid to return to the charts tomorrow with new single, Wrapped In Gold.

Tom Grennan has launched his bid to return to the charts Credit: Getty

The emotional track will feature on his upcoming fifth album. But before that, Tom will take to the stage at London’s O2 Arena to perform at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball.

I previously told how John Legend, Jamie Miller and Becky Hill and will be part of the December line-up, with Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey also in talks to sing.


MUNYA CHAWAWA appears to be angling to become the first influencer to be cast as James Bond.

The funnyman looked ­dapper as ever as he enjoyed his new role as Oatly’s first-ever Diplomat of Taste.

Munya Chawawa in his new role as Oatly’s first-ever Diplomat of Taste Credit: Supplied

He was driven through London in a three-car motorcade to ­celebrate the opening of The Oatly Embassy in West ­London.

On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy free oat-based drinks and a tour of the Museum of Modern Oats.

Munya said: “If there are two things people say about me, it’s that I love oats and I’m great at diplomacy.”


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Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards opens up on ‘unfortunate’ baby loss for first time

The beloved TV star opened up about her difficult journey to motherhood

Loose Women star Brenda Edwards has opened up about her pregnancy loss before welcoming her first child Jamal Edwards.

The singer and presenter returned to our screens on Tuesday afternoon (October 20), alongside fellow panellists Coleen Rooney, Kaye Adams, Janet Street-Porter and Ruth Langsford.

As the ITV stars discussed their individual journeys to motherhood, 57-year-old Brenda revealed she suffered a miscarriage before the birth of Jamal., who died aged 31 in 2022.

Brenda started by explaining that she always dreamed of having two children. “I did grow up saying ‘by the time that I’m 27, I want to have a job, I want to have a husband. I want to have two children.’ It was always two children. I wasn’t going for a football [team] or anything,” she said.

She went on to admit that her excitement to become a mother was partially due to losing her own parents at just four years old. Brenda explained: “There was a little bit of me that wanted to have children [and] to raise them because I wasn’t raised by my mum and dad. I was four when my parents died but I was kind of thinking ‘I’d like to go past that age that we were.'”

The Luton-born actress went on to give birth to her late son Jamal at 21 years old, then her daughter Tanisha. However, she unfortunately miscarried before Jamal was born.

She shared: “I was 21 when I had Jamal and then Tanisha and then I did finally get married at 27,” before adding: “I did unfortunately have a miscarriage before Jamal came.

“And when that happened, it really made me think ‘Oh my god, that would have been so lovely. What would that have been like if I hadn’t [miscarried]?’ So I see children as a blessing.”

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It comes four years after Brenda’s son Jamal sadly died after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia. The Loose Women presenter recently paid tribute to him on what would have been his 36th birthday.

Posting a series of childhood photos on Instagram, she wrote: “Jamms 36 years ago today you were born, the sun was shining bright just like your beautiful smile. These photographs capture so many beautiful memories that will never be forgotten. I miss you each and every second of every day!! I love you always and forever.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk .

Loose Women airs 12:30pm on ITV1 from Monday to Friday

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Celebrity Traitors’ Sebastian Croft bravely opens up on childhood trauma and how it shaped his career

SEBASTIAN Croft has opened up about how he was cruelly ‘bullied’ and ‘ostracised’ back in school.

The Celebrity Traitors star, who is known for appearing in series such as Game of Thrones, quit school at 16 after facing backlash over his sexuality.

Sebastian Croft has opened up about his experience of being cruelly ‘bullied’ at school Credit: Getty
The actor is currently appearing on Celebrity Traitors Credit: BBC

“I had a really difficult few years,” said Sebastian – who is affectionately known as Bash – in a new interview with the i Paper.

The star, who is openly queer, explained that he was “outed” by a classmate he was having a secret relationship with.

“I don’t blame the other boy who did it, because he was obviously just also trying to navigate the fact that he was getting chipped for being gay.

“But it was a really lonely and difficult time in my life. I would leave school and be an actor and be doing the thing I loved the most, and be with other like-minded people, and feel so liberated in myself, and then I go back to school and be bullied and ostracised,” said Sebastian, who is now 24.

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Kylie Jenner & Megan Thee Stallion stun in Victoria’s Secret’s angel wings

He famouslt began his career playing a young Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones Credit: Warner Brothers
He has since had roles in series such as Heartstopper, in which his storyline was similar to his real-life school experience Credit: Netflix

The actor attended a boarding school just outside of Oxford, where he grew up.

Sebastian rose to prominence after having his TV debut on Game Of Thrones as a young Ned Stark.

Playing the younger version of Sean Bean’s character, he appeared in Winterfell via Bran Stark’s greenseeing flashbacks in the episodes Home and The Door.

He later bagged a spot in Netflix’s Heartstopper.

Here, he began a romance with co-star Joe Locke which lasted three years – but the pair never went public about the relationship.

Over the years, he has earned acclaim for his roles, including a BAFTA Children’s Award nomination for his starring turn as Atticus in Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans.

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