Paradise

Holidaymakers are urged to ditch Ibiza and Marbella for Spain’s ‘real paradise’ – a stunning Mediterranean beach escape with crystal clear water, hidden coves and charming medieval villages

With summer now officially upon us, many people will be looking to escape the UK and soak up some sun abroad, even as temperatures across the country are forecast to reach as high as 30C over the coming weeks. Yet it appears that British holiday habits are shifting.

Research suggests that many Brits are turning their backs on Southern Europe, with popular hotspots in Spain, Turkey and Greece attracting fewer UK visitors than before. And while plenty of travellers may have concerns about overcrowding at well-trodden holiday destinations, there are a number of hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered.

One TikTok account has been singing the praises of what they’ve dubbed ‘Spain’s real paradise‘, urging holidaymakers to swap the likes of Ibiza and Marbella for this lesser-known treasure instead.

“Forget Ibiza. This is Spain’s real paradise,” read the on-screen text in the video, which offered a tantalising glimpse of a stunning coastal town with a beach as its backdrop.

The clip went on to showcase a breathtaking sandy beach with crystal-clear waters that ‘looks straight out of the Caribbean’, along with secluded water coves just waiting to be explored.

For those fancying a break from the beach, there are also Medieval towns and castles to discover, as well as coastal walking trails that offer truly spectacular scenery.

They wrote in the caption: “Costa Brava is one of the most beautiful destinations in Spain, with crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, charming medieval villages, scenic coastal walks, and stunning Mediterranean views.”

The Costa Brava, which translates as “Wild Coast,” is a rugged, striking stretch of shoreline in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. Running from Blanes all the way to the French border, it’s celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, medieval villages, and its connection to surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.

“If you’re planning a Spain vacation, add Costa Brava to your travel bucket list,” the caption continued.

Given its size, you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to picking a base that suits your holiday plans. If you fancy a quaint village with rocky coves and pristine waters, then Calella de Palafrugell might be just the ticket.

Celebrated for its beauty, Tossa de Mar features a remarkably preserved medieval walled old town perched above a golden beach. Meanwhile, Cadaqués offers a more bohemian vibe, having once been a retreat for artist Salvador Dalí. For those after a livelier break, Lloret de Mar serves as a buzzing hotspot for nightlife, water parks, and package getaways.

If Costa Brava is on the cards for your next escape, the shoulder months of May, June, and September are generally regarded as the ideal time to go. You’ll benefit from warm, swimmable conditions, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer crowds, according to EasyJet.

The summer months of July and August represent the busiest period, drawing enormous crowds and heavy traffic, whereas the winter season from November through to March brings cold weather and sees many coastal eateries and hotels shut their doors until spring.

Death in Paradise fans have a while to wait for the next series, but luckily there are three cosy crime dramas that can fill the void

These three brilliant dramas should fill the gap nicely.

Death in Paradise face face a bit of a wait until the next instalment from Saint Marie, but there are a few “cosy” crime programmes that can take its place in the meantime.

The most recent series of the BBC crime staple – starring Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, who investigates various murders on a fictional Caribbean island – concluded in March.

The 16th series isn’t expected to air until early 2027, while the Christmas special remains months away, reports the Express.

Fortunately, there are a few crime programmes to bridge the gap for Death in Paradise fans. We have a look at some of the best ones to delve into during June.

A Taste For Murder

A Taste For Murder premiered in April, following widowed Metropolitan police detective DCI Joe Mottram, portrayed by Warren Brown, who travels to Capri with his daughter Angelica (Beau Gadsdon) as they process their bereavement.

During their stay, he starts getting involved in solving local crimes, including the death of a British holidaymaker and the questionable fate of someone who’d been making a routine dive.

It’s proven tremendously popular with audiences, with some declaring it superior to Death in Paradise.

One viewer posted on X: “Death in Paradise meets Whitstable Pearl meets Recipes for Love and Murder and I’m absolutely here for it.” Another viewer remarked: “If you like light-ish murder mysteries then give it a try. Similar theme to Death in Paradise but I think it’s much better. Gorgeous scenery/food & a better cast imo. It’s entertaining, and it flies by.”

A Taste For Murder is available on ITVX.

You’re Killing Me

Mystery drama You’re Killing Me launched on Acorn TV in May.

Situated in a picturesque New England town, the series follows novelist Allie (Brooke Shields), who joins forces with podcaster Andi (Amalia Williamson) to track down the killer of a friend.

One viewer left a comment on IMDb describing it as a “perfect mystery series”, while another remarked: “You’re Killing Me may find its place in the cosy mystery pantheon.”

Someone else commented: “At first glance, it seems like a reincarnation of Murder She Wrote. Writer, New England location and murders! It rapidly became its own show. Brooke Shields is absolutely hysterical in this. I never saw her movies or series so I didn’t know why to expect but I was instantly pleased. The support cast is enjoyable as well. Kudos to the writers for some clever dialogue.”

The Brokenwood Mysteries

New Zealand-based programme The Brokenwood Mysteries is currently on screens as the crime drama’s 12th season airs.

The series is set in the seemingly tranquil town of Brokenwood, which is “slowly being riddled with murders” and Detective Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) must solve them.

The series can be found on U&DRAMA and Channel 4, with the official synopsis describing it as a show “about a detective who arrives on assignment in a small town where memories – and animosities – run deep”.

Fans have labelled it “outstanding”, with one viewer declaring: “I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ ‘whodunnit’, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander.”

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

A Death in Paradise icon hasn’t strayed too far from the world of crime and mystery.

Death in Paradise fans need to watch this “incredible” drama, especially after this important update.

Death in Paradise legend DS Florence Cassell (played by Josephine Jobert) originally debuted in the BBC cosy crime back in season four before leaving in series eight.

She thankfully returned to Saint Marie and her story ended in season 13 when she happily sailed away with former boss DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little).

For those who are missing watching Jobert on their screens, Death in Paradise fans can now catch her in the Canadian detective drama Saint-Pierre.

The first season has only recently become available on U&Alibi, as well as Sky and NOW, in the UK, after first airing in Canada in January 2025, followed by series two in January 2026.

Now it’s been confirmed that Saint-Pierre will be back for a season three with UK fans expecting the latest two series to soon be made available to them.

Filming for this 12-episode third season will reportedly begin in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Newfoundland, Canada, in July.

As of yet though, there has been no confirmation as to when UK fans will be treated to the second season.

Jobert portrays mysterious Parisian Deputy Chief Genevieve “Arch” Archambault who is forced to work alongside disgraced officer Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco) after he’s exiled to the small French collectivity.

While the pair initially clash because of their different styles of investigation, they soon realise that they make a great team, delving into a new case every episode.

Scoring an impressive 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no wonder fans have been praising Saint-Pierre on IMdB.

“Obsessed! Seriously, I’m hooked. Every week, they leave you hanging with a cliffhanger, and I’m just dying!”, a fan commented.

Another described it as a “must watch”, while a third echoed: “The cast are excellent – they have great chemistry.

“Also Saint-Pierre is STUNNING! It’s a character all on its own and the scenery makes me want to visit someday – I didn’t even know it existed!”

Someone else said it was an “incredible series” as another added: “Just love this show! It’s so much more than a police procedural. The chemistry between Fitz and Arch has me hooked!”

Saint-Pierre is available to watch on U&Alibi, Sky and NOW.

OLIVIA Attwood has hinted at trouble in paradise amid her romance with Pete Wicks – but fans appeared to spot something rather promising hidden within the snaps.

The stunning TV star shared a rather cryptic post where she appeared downcast in several snaps, pouting and looking moody.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Olivia, 35, shared a series of images with a caption that read: “Staying out of trouble,” complete with two angel emojis.

The first photo within the dump saw Olivia beaming while getting her hair and makeup done.

Looking more downcast in the next photo, Olivia pouted and didn’t look very impressed.

The images that followed were of her dogs, with another snap being of her taking a selfie in an elevator.

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More hair and makeup snaps followed, with another photo of her dog also thrilling fans.

The former Love Island star also showed off some impressive designer items within the slew of snaps.

Liv showed off a Birkin bag by Hermes, as well as a beautiful pink Chanel bag.

The 16th offering from the photo dump saw Liv snap a mirror selfie where her eyes appeared puffy and again, she pouted and looked downcast.

But despite some people alarmed by the lack of Pete appearing in the post, others spotted a sign that all might be well between the pair.

One person seemed to spot Pete’s dog in one of the snaps.

“Yay to Rodney. Was hoping to spot some subtle Pete hints and also wondered if the dogs are mates with eachother! (So invested),” one person penned.

While another added: “Yes Rodney!!!!!!!”

And a third penned: “Hard launching Rodney!”

“Stitch, Lola & Rodney,” penned another, spelling out how Olivia’s pups Stitch and Lola, were now pally with Pete’s dog Rodney.

Olivia split from husband Bradley back in January following a “breach of trust” on his part.

She then moved out of the marital home and into her own apartment in London, and has since been romantically linked to pal and radio co-host Pete.

Just the other week, eagle-eyed fans spotted a very clear sign Pete Wicks was with her on a recent luxury getaway.

The pair added fuel to the fire… literally, by sharing near-identical snaps from near-identical getaways.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday night, Olivia shared a photo dump of a very plush stay at Estelle Manor – the same place Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton headed on a secret date weekend.

Among the photos Liv shared were snaps of her rescue dogs, stunning selfies, gym workout pics, and a close up snap of a rustic fireplace.

Fans were quick to spot how not long before Liv’s dump, Pete had shared a slew of snaps himself, with one of the photos being of the exact same fireplace.

Fans rushed to the comments section to speculate that Olivia and Pete had spent time together at the stunning manor house.

“I love the subtle you & Pete posting pics of the same fire. I love you two xxx,” penned one person.

The talked-about pair reportedly begun their relationship at the Brit Awards on February 28.

A source close to the pair told us at the time that they were “dating and enjoying their time together.”

Their apparent romance heated up last month as they jetted off to St Tropez for a cosy holiday.

He was also spotted at her intimate birthday dinner earlier this month as they soft launched their relationship.

An ‘outstanding’ and ‘clever’ detective series is now streaming for free and it boasts an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score

Death in Paradise fans looking for their next detective series need look no further.

New Zealand-set show, The Brokenwood Mysteries, has been likened to Midsomer Murders and it is currently on UK screens as the crime drama’s 12th season airs.

Viewers can catch up from series one on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA with new episodes airing on Mondays at 8pm on the latter channel.

The Brokenwood Mysteries sees the “seemingly quiet town of Brokenwood slowly being riddled with murders” and it is up to Detective Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, to get to the bottom of the crimes.

Other characters include Detective Kristin Sims, played by Fern Sutherland, Detective Constable Sam Breen, played by Nic Sampson, Dr. Gina Kadinsky, played by Cristina Ionda, and Detective Constable Daniel Chalmers played by Jarod Rawiri.

The show was first released in 2014 and its currently airing its 12th season. The detective series has received rave reviews and boasts an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score with many viewers claiming it is “better than Death in Paradise”.

One person said: “If you like a great mystery, well written with lots of twists and turns as well as colorful characters populating a simply stunning locale, I can confidently recommend you visit the quirky world of Brokenwood.”

A different viewer put: “I really enjoy this series and agree with the positive reviews I’ve read” while another show watcher added: “I was pleasantly surprised, the lead actors were excellent and supporting cast very good in my opinion.”

Another fan commented: “I have given The Broken Wood Mysteries a 9 out of 10. For me this is extremely rare, it’s not often something catches my attention and keeps it, as well as Broken Wood does.”

They added: “BUT the Broken Wood Mysteries in my humble opinion, Is That Good!. To Conclude, Wonderful Trio of exceptionally good Actors!, Delightful Script Writing (quality writing), wonderful Scenery which shows delightfully the beauty of New Zealand. ALL IN ALL, A very deserved 9 out of 10.”

Elsewhere, a different viewer wrote: “I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ ‘whodunnit’, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!”

Meanwhile, another fan added: “Came across this well done series from the “you may like ” section and was pleasantly entertained.

“The show built the characters quickly and the result was a wonderful mix of personalities with a nice mix of serious and humour ,especially from Fern and Neill. The Medical Examiner is like someone everyone knows, and the banter between all the cast is the strongest part of the show.”

While a different viewer wrote: “Outstanding Kiwi police series, reminiscent of some British country police dramas. The cast work well together and over the 11 seasons we see a development in the characters. If you like country music you’ll love the soundtrack.”

The Brokenwood Mysteries series one to 11 are available to watch on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA now. Season 12 airs on Mondays at 8pm on U&DRAMA with episodes also available to watch on Channel 4.

Geraldine Noel was a lawyer in the UK when she accidentally found herself relocating to Malta, a sun-drenched Mediterranean island where English is an official language

It was a complete twist of fate that led high-flying lawyer Geraldine Noel to swap her life for a Mediterranean paradise where English is spoken as a first language.

She said: “I never would have thought adopting a rescue dog and being banned from bringing it into the UK would have led me to settling in Malta, but I love my life here in the sun and wouldn’t change a thing.”

Born in south-west London, Geraldine was offered a position at a Maltese bank. This was before Brexit, she explains, when it was considerably easier for British citizens to live and work across EU nations.

She told the I newspaper how property prices on the sun-soaked island have shifted dramatically since she first arrived 16 years ago: “I’m very fortunate. I was able to purchase a property in the north of the island in St Paul’s Bay 13 years ago. So I’ve been able to avoid the year-on-year increase of property prices that we are currently dealing with.”

Soaring property prices are being driven by a significant surge in demand. Malta’s population is currently estimated to sit at around 580,000 – with much of the growth attributed to American retirees, drawn in by the Mediterranean haven’s warm climate and straightforward access to Italy, Greece, and North Africa. The single largest expat community in Malta, however, remains British – with roughly 15,000 Brits calling the island home.

Geraldine continued: “When I moved, a two-bedroom in St Paul’s Bay would have cost between £150,000 and £250,000 and now that same property would be worth between £200,000 and £350,000.”

This surge in property demand has sparked a construction boom, with new homes and extensions springing up across the island. The downside, Geraldine notes, is increased traffic and noise.

Yet it’s Malta’s tax system that proves most enticing to British expats, she explains: “Tax efficiency is one of the most appealing things about living here. Malta still has the British non-dom regime and a variety of tax breaks that include a 15% rate on income remitted to the country, and no capital gains or inheritance tax.”

Sadly, moving to Malta from the UK has become more complicated in recent years: “The curse of Brexit, though, means it’s so much harder for young people to move over – you have to have a work permit or be on a residency programme,” Geraldine said.

That said, she points out, skilled tradespeople – plumbers, carpenters or electricians – will find abundant opportunities thanks to Malta’s construction surge.

Ultimately, Malta offers an exceptional quality of life, Geraldine insists. She cultivates tropical fruit in her garden and lives just a five-minute stroll from the beach, while still enjoying familiar home comforts for nostalgic Brits: “There are so many things that make Malta appealing to British nationals,” Geraldine says.

“English is an official language, there are British pubs galore that do roasts with all the trimmings, red post boxes, Marks & Spencer. You can get Waitrose and Iceland-branded products in certain supermarkets. I actually have Greggs sausage rolls in the freezer right now.”

Malta remained under British rule until it achieved independence in 1964. As a result, English is one of the island’s two official languages, alongside Maltese.

Noah Wyle is a consensus pick, with a sizable lead over Mark Ruffalo. Glenn Whipp sums up the Buzz: “There’s little chance that Noah Wyle doesn’t repeat.”

The panel, though, says it would like to see the academy sidestep its usual voting habits and honor some genre work as well. Walton Goggins of the video game-spawned “Fallout,” Antony Starr of the super-powered satire “The Boys” and Peter Claffey of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” all get votes, while Alfred Molina and Karl Urban get shout-outs.

Matt Roush says, “While fantasy seems a long shot, ‘Fallout’s’ Walton Goggins and ‘The Boys’ adversaries Antony Starr and Karl Urban are all worthy.”

“You can’t help but root for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ ’ Ser Duncan the Tall — a naive underdog chasing his dreams while trying to do the right thing,” says Tracy Brown of Claffey.

Even No. 3 pick Sterling K. Brown is in a sci-fi/postapocalyptic entry, “Paradise.” If he can survive the end of civilization, surely he can withstand a stressed-out ER doc? “It may seem inevitable for Noah Wyle to take the trophy again,” writes Trey Mangum. “But I wouldn’t count Brown out just yet.”

More predictions: drama series | drama actress | drama supp. actor | drama supp. actress

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
3. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
6. Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
7. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman”
8. Antony Starr, “The Boys”

Los Angeles Times

Lorraine Ali

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
T3. Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
T3. Antony Starr, “The Boys”
T5. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
T5. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
T5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”

“It’s hard to look at Walter Goggins’ noseless ‘Fallout’ character, the Ghoul, without retching, but his compelling performance also makes it hard to turn away. Antony Starr brings to life another type of monster: an egomaniacal, king-of-the-world superhero in ‘The Boys.’ Then there’s Noah Wyle. He plays a doctor.”

Freelance Critic

Kristen Baldwin

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
3. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
4. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
6. Walton Goggins, “Fallout”

“There’s not a lot of wiggle room in this category, but don’t count out Alfred Molina, who stars in Netflix’s ‘The Boroughs,’ a sort of ‘senior citizens battle stranger things’ drama from the Duffer Brothers. (Of course, Molina will have to get through Jon Hamm, Peter Claffey and Billy Bob Thornton first.)”

Los Angeles Times

Tracy Brown

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
5. Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
6. Peter Claffey, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

“This might be a long shot for Peter Claffey, but you can’t help but root for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’’ Ser Duncan the Tall — a naive underdog chasing his dreams while trying to do the right thing. Last year’s winner Noah Wyle is the strong front–runner, though.”

Blavity

Trey Mangum

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
4. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman”
5. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
6. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”

“If ‘Paradise’s’ drama series buzz is big enough, I think Sterling K. Brown could really be a force here, though it seems as if it may seem inevitable for Noah Wyle to take the trophy again. But I wouldn’t count Brown out just yet.”

TV Insider

Matt Roush

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
6. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman”

“Noah Wyle and Sterling K. Brown are locks to repeat, and Mark Ruffalo’s mournful ‘Task’ hero is another potential winner. Billy Bob Thornton carries ‘Landman’ on his weary shoulders. While fantasy seems a long shot, ‘Fallout’s’ Walton Goggins and ‘The Boys’ adversaries Antony Starr and Karl Urban are all worthy.”

Los Angeles Times

Glenn Whipp

1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
2. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
3. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
4. Mark Ruffalo, “Task”
5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
6. Jon Hamm, “Your Friends & Neighbors”

“ ‘Slow Horses’ has been breaking through at the Emmys the last couple of years, winning for writing and direction. Might it be Gary Oldman’s time? It’s a nice thought … but there’s little chance that Noah Wyle doesn’t repeat for ‘The Pitt.’ ”

One of the former stars of Death in Paradise has issued an update about another of his crime shows

Ben Miller has shared a major update about one of his crime dramas.

The actor, previously known for his detective role in the BBC’s Death in Paradise, now leads the ITV crime show Professor T, playing a brilliant criminology professor living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who assists police in cracking cases.

Since launching in 2021, the programme has aired four series, with additional episodes already confirmed to be on the way. During an appearance on The One Show, Ben let slip a “spoiler alert”, revealing that a sixth series was in production too, reports the Express.

Presenter Roman Kemp asked about the show’s future, noting that numerous viewers had been asking when Professor T would return.

“It is coming back,” Ben replied. “I think the autumn is the season. Yeah, so we’ve got season five that will hopefully be coming out in the autumn. I mean, spoiler alert. We’re actually working on season six.”

Roman and co-host Alex Jones appeared delighted, with Roman exclaiming: “Wow! Double spoiler alert.”

Professor T sees Ben play Jasper, who assists police in solving complex cases and puzzles. The series also stars Frances de la Tour as Jasper’s domineering mother.

Last year it was confirmed that it would be back on ITV for a fifth instalment, with Ben saying at the time: “I’m beyond thrilled that we will soon be breaking ground on a fifth series of Professor T.

“Working with such a talented cast and crew is a joy that even a heavy woollen suit can’t stifle, and I can’t wait for audiences to see the treats we’ve got in store for them in series four later this year, when the Professor tackles his most baffling case yet: romance.”

The actor, well known for portraying cantankerous detective Richard Poole in Death in Paradise, added: “The fact that audiences worldwide have embraced the show so warmly is hugely rewarding, and we’re already brimming with ideas to make Series 5 even more quirky, heartfelt, and surprising.

“Here’s to another season of baffling crime, dreaming spires, and ironing that tweed…”

Sharing an update on Instagram after filming wrapped last summer, he said: “Last week we wrapped Season 5 of Professor T!

“Another few months spent filming with the most hard working crew and cast who give their all to this show. It’s always a pleasure.”

The One Show broadcasts on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays.

BBC One’s crime comedy Death Valley is back for a hotly anticipated second series, and a whole lot of new ‘whodunnits’ that need to be solved

Death Valley has made its eagerly awaited return for a second series.

BAFTA-winning performer Timothy Spall stars alongside Gwyneth Keyworth in the comedic murder-mystery programme, portraying the improbable pairing of actor John Chapel, formerly her hero as TV detective Caesar, and determined detective Janie Mallowan.

Filmed and set in Wales, Death Valley’s debut series launched in May 2025, smashing records with the largest overnight viewership for a new scripted programme in five years.

The series maintained a robust average of 4.6 million viewers over 28 days, and amongst Welsh audiences, Death Valley claimed the top comedy spot across all channels and platforms throughout 2025.

Given the programme’s triumph, it came as little shock when plans for a second series were swiftly revealed, with Death Valley series two now scheduled to debut on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One. Audiences can also stream the complete box set on iPlayer from the same date, reports the Express.

The second series resumes several months following the conclusion of series one. Janie has secured promotion to Detective Inspector and finds herself more overwhelmed than ever, with administrative duties mounting faster than she can manage them.

Complicating matters further, she’s been avoiding John since discovering he’s been romantically involved with her mum, Yvonne (Melanie Walters), and the pair are compelled to make amends when DCI Barry Clarke (Steffan Rhodri) enlists John’s assistance to crack a murder investigation.

They must set aside their complicated personal relationships when tasked with examining a suspicious death within a community service group, following the fatal plunge of one of its members from atop a crumbling castle.

The latest series of Death Valley also sees John hesitantly return to the acting world, appearing on the set of a grand Welsh fantasy television production, though another killing soon demands attention.

Additional murders occur in a seaside fishing community, at an eco-friendly commune, and within a rugby club, as John and Janie persist in delivering justice throughout the mid-Wales area.

Throughout the series, there’s also an impressive roster of guest appearances, featuring Outlander’s Mark Lewis Jones, Game of Thrones legend Owen Teale, and Killing Eve’s Alexandra Roach.

Jane Horrocks (Here We Go, Chicken Run) also appears in the programme alongside Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops, SNL UK), Alexandra Roach (Killing Eve, Bodies), Roisin Conaty (After Life, Last one Laughing), Jim Howick (Ghosts, Here we Go), Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Lynn Hunter (Pushers & End of the Fxx World), Rhiannon Clements (Small Prophets, Pushers), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth) and Liz Carr (Silent Witness, Good Omens).

Death Valley series 2 launches on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

A Death in Paradise star has given fans a major career update.

A Death in Paradise favourite is teaming up with a Strictly star for a sinister mystery drama.

Ralf Little joined BBC‘s Death in Paradise in January 2020 as the anxious DI Neville Parker, whose romantic life was rather unlucky.

However, when he bid farewell in 2024, Neville departed hand-in-hand with DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert), sailing towards a happy ending.

Two years following his exit, Little is preparing to feature in Channel 4‘s forthcoming psychological thriller, Hunting Alice Bell, described as a “whodunnit with shades of family drama and social satire”.

Based on its official synopsis, the six-episode drama promises to be considerably darker than what Death in Paradise viewers have come to expect from Little.

Hunting Alice Bell centres on the eponymous character, a former nurse and the romantic partner and accomplice of a “notorious anesthetist serial killer”.

She now resides in the UK under a fresh identity, but when Fran Da Silva is accused online of being Alice Bell, “her happy family life implodes into a wave of mob hate”.

The synopsis adds: “Then she discovers she’s not the only woman to suffer this fate. Fran and the other accused women band together to fight back and clear their names.

“But as they battle to prove their innocence, what if one of the group is lying – and is the real Alice Bell?”

Few details are known about Graham Hunter, the character Little will play, with additional information about his involvement in the Channel 4 series remaining under wraps.

He’ll be accompanied by Nightsleeper’s Alexandra Roach as Fran, Sherlock and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amanda Abbington as Julie, Mobland’s Emily Barber as Vanessa, and Shaun of the Dead legend Simon Pegg as Dr Jason Nash.

Hunting Alice Bell, which will explore the “devastating effects” of rumours, is scheduled to broadcast later this year, though no specific release date has been announced.

Co-creator David Baddiel remarked, “Technology has created a whole new spin on the idea of mistaken identity.

“We are told that in the present culture, anyone can be who they want to be. But that also means that anyone can have who they are taken away from them: the hive mind can decide who you are.

“This happens to the five women in Hunting Alice Bell: in a world where identity is very fluid, they have lost control of theirs.”

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Audiences looking for a classic British comedy in the vein of Richard Curtis’ Four Weddings and a Funeral should look no further

Fans of Beyond Paradise trying to fill the hole after the latest series wrapped up should check this hilarious comedy-drama starring Kris Marshall.

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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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.

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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.

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.

From there, Lake Ohrid is a 90-minute drive away.

Jet2 has launched new direct flights with the CEO saying the destination will be a ‘popular’ one for customers seeking culture and sunshine

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 fourth season of Beyond Paradise may have ended but fans can catch up with another detective duo

Beyond Paradise fans can enjoy another thrilling detective series after the BBC show recently ended.

On Friday evening (May 1), Beyond Paradise viewers were left distraught as the series concluded after a successful four seasons.

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

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.

The beach on the island is esteemed for clear turquoise water and fine golden sands.

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

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

Find out more at discoverhongkong.com