Marshall’s 2007 movie Death at a Funeral sees hilarity and chaos reign when one man tries to put his recently deceased father to rest after a mysterious guest shows up at the ceremony.
Thrown into the mix is accidentally drug ingestion, family tensions, dry wit and slapstick humour all blended together perfectly.
Death at a Funeral boasts an all-star including Pride and Prejudice and Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen, Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage, Keeley Hawes from The Durrells, Sherlock star Rupert Graves, Trainspotting actor Ewen Bremner, The Capture’s Andy Nyman, and Firefly’s Alan Tudyk, along with Marshall.
Although the movie was directed by Bowfinger filmmaker Frank Oz and shot in America, Death at a Funeral is very much a British comedy at its heart.
Death at a Funeral was remade in 2010 by the same production team, including writer Dean Craig, who penned the original and star Dinklage, who reprised his role for the film. However, the original movie is still hailed as the best version.
The film has been praised by audiences on IMDb, who have waxed lyrical about the British comedy.
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One person wrote on their 10/10 review: “It’s been a while since there’s been a genuinely good British farce, but this one pressed all the right buttons.”
Another person posted: “Death at a Funeral has a distinct Four Weddings and a Funeral feel.”
They elaborated: “Despite being directed by a Yank, Death at a Funeral has a very British flavour.
“In fact, at times it reminded me of nothing less than an extended episode of Fawlty Towers, minus the manic genius of John Cleese.”
A third user said their “nearly died laughing” in their 9/10 review and explained: “This film reminded me a bit of “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, but even more of those British madcap black comedies of the 60s with Alec Guinness or Peter Sellers.”
Someone else titled their 10/10 review: “One of the years best comedies” and said “When we came out of the theater, we’ve had tears in our eyes – it was just too hilarious! I haven’t laughed that much in a movie for quite a while [sic].” Adding: “You won’t regret watching it!”
Death at a Funeral is streaming on Prime Video for a fee
SITTING between two eastern European countries is a place nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of Europe’.
Despite being thousands of miles from the Galapagos Islands, Lake Ohrid is often compared to the region famous for its wildlife.
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Lake Ohrid sits between North Macedonia and AlbaniaCredit: GettyThe lake is considered the ‘Galapagos of Europe’ and is surrounded by fishing villagesCredit: Alamy
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It has incredible deep blue waters and can be accessed from both parts of both North Macedonia and Albania.
The lake is considered one of the oldest in Europe with historians tracing its roots back to as far as five million years ago.
As for what you’ll find lurking in its waters, the lake is considered the ‘Galapagos of Europe’ due to the high number of species – some of which are unique to the lake.
Lake Ohrid has even been described by scientists as “a museum of living fossils.”
One of the rare creatures that you’ll only find in the lake is the Ohrid trout, otherwise known as ‘koran’.
Fishermen are often up early to catch the trout which is a delicacy in the surrounding cities, towns and villages.
Other rare animals living in and around the lake include the Balkan whip snake.
There are also eels, various endemic snails, and birds like Dalmatian pelicans.
Despite the wildlife, Lake Ohrid is safe for swimming and is very popular during the summer months.
The water can be chilly though, ranging from between 14C to 24C depending on the season.
There’s plenty of room to explore as the lake is around 19 miles long and nine miles wide, with a shoreline that stretches on for around 54 miles.
Trpejca on Lake Ohrid is considered the ‘Saint-Tropez’ of the areaCredit: AlamyVisitors can explore the lake by hiking or biking along the shoreline, or get on the water on a boat cruiseCredit: Getty
It’s also one of the deepest lakes on the continent with a maximum depth of nearly 300 metres.
Visitors can explore the lake by hiking or biking along the shoreline, or get on the water on a boat cruise.
On Tripadvisor, one visitor described Lake Ohrid as a “piece of paradise”.
Another added: “This is a beautiful part of the world that once seen, is never forgotten.”
Back on shore, Lake Ohrid is surrounded by three main towns – Ohrid and Struga in North Macedonia, and Pogradec in Albania.
Other must-visit spots around the lake include some of the pretty villages.
In North Macedonia, Trpejca is considered one of the most charming and traditional villages.
It’s even been referred to as the ‘Saint-Tropez‘ of the lake thanks to its white shingle shoreline and beautiful waterfront houses.
Other top spots include the Albanian fishing village of Lin which has stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and incredible views across the lake.
One convenient route for Brits to explore the lake is by flying into Tirana which can be done in under 30-minutes and as little as £13 with Wizz Air.
Jet2 has launched new direct flights with the CEO saying the destination will be a ‘popular’ one for customers seeking culture and sunshine
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub
17:43, 06 May 2026
(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jet2 has launched a new service as it vows to offer passengers a slice of ‘sunshine paradise’. The UK airline’s first service to Palermo has taken off from Manchester Airport – with more to follow shortly from other UK airports.
The launch signals the start of Jet2’s operations to the Sicilian capital for the very first time this summer 2026, opening up the stunning island of Sicily to British holidaymakers. Jet2 will run twice-weekly services (Tuesdays and Fridays) from Manchester Airport to Palermo through to 3rd November 2026 in a piece of good news for passengers after weeks of headlines about the war in Iran and its possible impact on UK airlines.
Jet2 has also confirmed that travellers in the Midlands and Northeast will be able to get in on the action, with flights and holidays set to launch from Birmingham Airport on Wednesday 6th May and from Newcastle International Airport on Tuesday 26th May. From Birmingham, Jet2 will operate weekly Wednesday flights until 28th October 2026, while weekly Tuesday services will also be available from Newcastle Airport through to 3rd November 2026. The airline says all routes to Palermo are exclusive to Jet2.
Palermo marks Jet2’s latest expansion into Italy, bringing the total number of Italian airports served by the carrier to nine, including two in Sicily. Altogether, Jet2 has 12 weekly flights on sale to Sicily for summer 2026.
In a statement, the firm said: “The introduction of this new destination gives customers great access to the resorts of Campofelice Di Roccella, Cefalu and Pollinia on the island of Sicily, a sunshine paradise on the north-western coastline that offers stunning scenery, city sights and dramatic landscapes. From the beautiful beaches to the outstanding architecture, there is also the capital’s rich ancient history where there are myths and legends weaved into every captivating corner.”
Jet2 says it was the first UK airline and tour operator to confirm it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, such as jet fuel, assuring customers that the price they book with Jet2 is the price they will pay. Jet fuel shortages caused by the Iran conflict have made the commodity more expensive for airlines.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are delighted to see Jet2’s first flight to Palermo take-off from Manchester Airport. To celebrate this new addition to our summer 2026 programme to Italy, we had our trademark red branding at the gate of the inaugural flight and also surprised one lucky customer with a pair of free return flights.
“We have no doubt that Palermo will be a popular destination for customers and independent travel agents looking to book getaways that combine culture and sunshine, and we look forward to taking them on our award-winning flights and holidays.”
Cut back booze at airports says Ryanair boss
The news comes as Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary today said airports should be banned from serving alcohol to passengers before early morning flights. “There should be no alcohol served at airports outside (those) licensing hours,” he told the Times.
He added: “We are reasonably responsible, but the ones who are not responsible, the ones who are profiteering off it, are the airports who have these bars open at five or six o’clock in the morning and during delays are quite happy to send these people as much alcohol as they want because they know they’re going to export the problem to the airlines.”
The popular crime drama, featuring Kris Marshall returning to his Death in Paradise character DI Humphrey Goodman alongside Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, debuted in 2023 and was an instant hit.
Audiences will be hoping the BBC will soon release more information on new episodes of Beyond Paradise, but in the meantime, crime drama fans are urged to watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, which can be streamed on Channel4.com.
The detective period drama follows the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a private detective operating in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1920s.
Not only is the wealthy, sharp-witted Fisher incredibly glamorous, but she also has the talent to solve cases that police can’t crack. She is often paired with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page), and the duo uses each other’s expertise to investigate crimes.
However, Fisher remains haunted by the tragedy surrounding her younger sister, often wrestling with the question of whether she could have done more to prevent it. The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015
The show is inspired by Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery novels, which brought the iconic Phryne Fisher to life. The series began with the 1989 novel Cocaine Blues and spanned 23 books.
The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries was followed up by a feature film, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, released in 2020.
The show is rated 8.2/10 on IMDB with one fan calling the show “another excellent offering”, adding “The story lines, characters, writing, acting, sets, period ambiance… whatever else… are all superb.”
Another explained: “Sultry and stunning period mystery series. As a lifelong mystery buff, I find “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” to be a real treat.”
“Lots of fun, and looks gorgeous. I happened upon Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries quite by accident”, added another.
Who else stars in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries? The cast of the crime drama includes:
Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher
Nathan Page as Detective Inspector Jack Robinson
Ashleigh Cummings as Dorothy ‘Dot’ Williams
Hugo Johnstone-Burt as Constable Hugh Collins
Richard Bligh as Mr. Tobias Butler
Travis McMahon as Bert Johnson
Anthony Sharpe as Cecil ‘Cec’ Yates
Tammy MacIntosh as Dr. Elizabeth ‘Mac’ Macmillan
Miriam Margolyes as Prudence Elizabeth Stanley
Ruby Rees-Wemyss as Jane Ross
Nicholas Bell as Murdoch Foyle
Pip Miller as The Baron of Richmond, Henry George Fisher
Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries can be streamed on Channel 4.
The beach has crystal clear turquoise water and sandy golden shores, but travellers are being warned about one thing
Isla Pasión is framed by the Caribbean Sea (Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful island beach has been named the best in the world by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. It’s described by visitors as relaxing and a perfect place to unwind, with one commenting that it’s not crowded despite its renown.
TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches list features several stunning locations across the globe, but Isla de la Pasión in Cozumel, Mexico made it to the very top of the selection. The island is fringed by the Caribbean Sea and nestled between the USA and the South American continent.
However, Viator, a TripAdvisor travel company, warns visitors to bring plenty of bug spray to this stunning location due to sand flies and mosquitoes being rife there. Sand flies are “especially active” at dawn and dusk.
Other travellers pointed out that visitors to this remote spot should wear strong bug spray with sand fly and mosquito bites blighting the experience for some tourists, although thousands report having a wonderful time.
However, they also pointed out that it is not a freely accessible public beach. It is necessary to purchase a day pass or hire an organised tour to this paradisal island.
Colourful coral reefs can be discovered by snorkelling at this popular tourist destination described as a “great island, not crowded at all”, but the island is private and can only be explored via an organised excursion.
One reviewer described the experience of visiting this peaceful place on TripAdvisor, writing that it’s “an oasis” accessible only by boat.
They added: “For me, as for most of those who see it, it’s a scenario that seems out of a postcard. Isla Pasión is on an isolated island in the Caribbean and can only be accessed through boat tours, usually departing from Cozumel.”
“I want to go back,” the reviewer continued, describing shallow “crystal clear waters, protected coral reefs and an extensive band of white sand”.
Viator, which offers Isla Pasión tours, advised that sun protection is essential, especially if you’re travelling on an open-top boat.
The best time to go to Isla Pasión is during sunny and dry weather from January to April to experience “crystal-clear water” at Cozumel snorkelling spots such as Isla Pasión, Viator explained, which is also a great time to visit to spot marine wildlife.
Isla Pasión has been praised for being a perfect location for families with entertainment at hand for children and young people.
One TripAdvisor reviewer described their trip to Isla Pasión, writing: “Our family had a wonderful time. The crew was amazing. Everyone was very friendly. There were a lot of fun activities for the kids. Also, the food and drinks were great.”
It’s best known for its mighty concrete jungle, but Chris Granet discovers Hong Kong’s greener side, with forested peaks to hike and pristine coastline and islands to explore
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Hong Kong is full of surprises (Image: Getty Images)
The sunshine glittered off the jade waters as we chugged gently out of the busy harbour. Surrounding us were dozens of traditional fishing boats, like the one I was on. Surrounding them was a horizon full of hills, soaring out of the sea and carpeted in lush forests.
Our destination was Sharp Island in the distance, a tiny coral-encircled gem that could’ve been Thailand, Vietnam, or any remote region of Southeast Asia. Surprisingly, I was in Hong Kong. I say that surprisingly because when you think of Hong Kong, you think of the typical Asian megacity. Dense urban living. High-rises and hustle. Manic traffic and neon nightscapes. All of which are true of Hong Kong, and fantastic to experience, but what most people don’t realise is that you can also get off the beaten track within minutes and find pristine nature and beaches.
Formed by supervolcanic eruptions, the territory comprises 430 subtropical square miles across 263 islands, endless peninsulas, and swathes of craggy mainland. Nestled at the heart of this is the main Hong Kong Island and city, which for me has to be one of the world’s best cities for natural settings. However, it’s far from remote – it’s the fourth most densely populated region in the world, with 7.5 million residents. Everywhere you look in the city are tightly packed groves of skinny tenement blocks. It’s like nowhere I’ve ever seen. “We have very little flat land here,” explained our guide. “Most of it is made from demolished hills or reclaimed from the sea – we have to build upwards, not outwards.” But this also means 53% of the land is still forest, with 40% designated as country parks.
The quickest way to experience this would be to journey up Victoria Peak, which stretches up behind the city but is usually obscured by the vertiginous towers. We headed over to the Peak Circle Walk, which gently loops around the summit, on a stroll that encompassed tranquil woodlands and cinematic views of the world-famous skyline and bay below. Magnificent. If you want to avoid the crowds, then there are several trails back down to the city, which are made all the more pretty in the evening once the towers start turning on their technicolored light shows. Hong Kong Island’s southern side is another quick escape into nature, with curving coastal roads, low-rise neighbourhoods, cute coves, and those ubiquitous jungled hills.
It was a gloriously sunny day when I walked the Dragon’s Back trail on the most southeastern peninsula. The name is attributed to the ridge rolling between gentle peaks that resembles the mythical creature’s spine, tumbling down to a bay on one side, and the sea on the other. Despite it being November, it felt like summer as we then made our way down through the woodlands to Big Wave Bay, a glorious golden arc of sand that’s just one of over 100 beaches in the territory. We sat and had a light lunch and a glass of vino in the shade of an outdoor cafe while watching the surfers ride the crashing waves. Bliss.
Nearby, giant Lantau Island has plenty of options. Connected to the mainland by bridges, it’s home to the massive airport – but I took a different sky ride in the glass-bottomed Ngong Ping 360 cable car. It whisked us up and away from a generic concrete suburb over swathes of that lush greenery to the lofty Po Lin Buddhist monastery. The walk from the cable car terminal to the monastery was lined on both sides with tourist shops – not quite the spirit of immaterialism Siddhartha had intended, but handy for those, like me, in need of another coffee. The ornately pretty monastery is famous for its large seated Buddha statue, which we reached via a long flight of stairs as breathtaking as the panoramic views at its summit. On the coastline nearby is the picturesque fishing village of Tai O, with scores of ramshackle wooden houses precariously propped up on stilts on the sides of a little estuary. It was all very quiet as we wandered its maze of backstreets, feeling a hundred miles and years from Hong Kong city. But it perked up as we reached its busier center, and at The Crossing Boat restaurant overlooking the river, we sat at a spinning table and shared a sizzling seafood lunch. Prawn, scallops and fish all locally caught, plus an array of Cantonese stir fries.
If you want proper pristine, then head up to the 58 square mile Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark on a wild peninsula, with a cluster of islands fanning out from the mainland. It’s the epicentre of the volcanic drama that shaped the region, sculpting surreal honeycombed sea caves, hexagonal rock columns and sheer cliffs, softened over the eons by ocean erosion and dusted with white sand beaches. Truly spectacular. It’s here that Sharp Island is located. It’s easily accessible from the chirpy tourist town of Sai Kung, with its busy harbourfront heaving with seafood restaurants and boat crews clamouring to offer you tours and rides to the many destinations around the Geopark. The usual price for a return ticket to Sharp Island is 50-60 Hong Kong dollars per person (approx £6), but our group of six paid 150HKD pp (approx £15pp) as we chartered the whole boat. Said boat was a little wooden fishing vessel, like most of the others in the harbour, all prettily painted in nautical blues and greens.
I sat perched at its front basking in the high sun for the 15 minutes it took to chug over to the little island’s southern tip. There, our surly boatman dropped us off, then made his way to the northern tip, where he collected us up later. We hiked the 1.5 mile long trail, a ridge walk similar to Dragon’s Back, offering more postcard-worthy views. Branching off Sharp’s northwestern shore is its Instagram-famed bar of shingle and rock that connects it to Kiu Tau islet. It’s only visible during low tide and was sadly in the process of being re-swallowed by the sea as we arrived.
Further offshore are plenty of snorkelling opportunities as, incredibly, Hong Kong is home to more coral species than the entire Caribbean combined, as well as over a quarter of all of China’s marine biodiversity.
Back at Sai Kung harbour, we indulged in more sizzling seafood, with hearty dishes big enough to share, like the fully stacked braised crab roe and shrimp casserole, at a reasonable £10 a pop. Very nice indeed. As I sat digesting our meal, staring out to sea and watching the Saturday afternoon crowds ambling through the sunshine, it was easy to forget that I was still in the midst of a roaring megametropolis.
BOOK THE HOLIDAY
Cathay Pacific flies direct to Hong Kong from London, from £549 return. Book at cathaypacific.com Dorsett Wan Chai has doubles from £113 per night with breakfast. Dorsett Kai Tak has doubles from £115 per night with breakfast. Both hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to major transport hubs, shopping, and dining destinations. Find out more and book at dorsetthotels.com
