perfect

Netflix’s ‘micro-series’ has already creeped its way into the UK’s top 10

Fans of a “saucy” drama can binge-watch this one in just an afternoon.

Binge-watching is how most TV fanatics view their favourite shows nowadays with Netflix dropping the perfect “micro-series” for its subscribers.

Mexican thriller Between Father and Son has arrived with the 20-part series focussed on well-respected lawyer Barbara (played by Pamela Almanza) whose life changes after “just a few suspenseful minutes”.

She visits the house of her fiance Alvaro (Erick Elias) before getting married but unexpectedly finds herself attracted to her future step-son Iker (Graco Sendel).

On top of the forbidden sexual tension, there’s also the mystery around what happened to Alvaro’s first wife and Iker’s mum Fernanda who went missing.

Between Father and Son is perfect for those wanting to quickly binge their way through a series.

Each of the 20 episodes have a running time of 10 minutes or less, with seven instalments just seven minutes long.

So Netflix subscribers could binge-watch the entire boxset of Between Father and Son in under four hours if watched back-to-back.

However, while fans have been “hooked” by the Mexican drama, some have complained of a technical issue.

From episode four onwards, fans are currently unable to hear the dialogue in Between Father and Son.

Taking to X, a viewer questioned: “Why’s there no sound?”, as another on Reddit stated: “It doesn’t have any dialogue audio after episode three.”

They went on to add: “I am already hooked though and patiently waiting for the issue to be fixed!”

But others have shared that their audio is working fine, including the English dubbed version of the series.

Between Father and Son is available to watch on Netflix.

The BBC has confirmed that a comedy that had viewers ‘howling’ will be back for a third series

A BBC comedy that had viewers “howling” with laughter is set to return.

Mammoth, which is about about a PE teacher from the 1970s getting a second chance at life, started in 2024 before returning for a series two. And now the broadcaster has confirmed that it will be back for a third run, with filming due to start in Wales this year.

Starring Death Valley‘s Mike Bubbins as Tony Mammoth and Car Share ‘s Sian Gibson as his daughter, the series followed the teacher when his body was discovered frozen in time, after he was thought to have died in an avalanche during a school trip in 1979. He then attempts to rebuild his life in a world that has completely changed.

The BBC said the next series, which will be comprised of five episodes, will see Tony still trying to fiund his place in society “but due to his thin skin and inability to keep his thoughts to himself, he often puts his big retro shoes in it, on all fronts”.

“I can’t wait for people to see the next adventures in the life of Tony Mammoth,” said Mike. “He’s back funnier, bolder, and dafter than ever.

“When I first came up with the idea, I didn’t dream that in a few years it would be back for a third series.

“It’s once again been a lot of hard work for me, Paul Doolan and Luke Mason (co-writers), although when the three of us spend our days in a room together laughing, I’m reminded that it’s not exactly the same sort of hard work that my grandad did toiling away as coal miner for 50 years.

“Although, in fairness, we have both never won a BAFTA. So make sure you watch the new series, and don’t forget… Mammoth is the word!”

Josh Cole, CCO of BBC Studios fiction and comedy, says: “We’re delighted to be delving deeper into Mammoth without leaning too far into the traumatic decades he spent frozen alive in the ice.

“We’re so proud of this show: a big, bold, laugh out loud creation from a unique voice.”

The BBC’s director of comedy Jon Petrie said the series was “warm, daft, joyful and full of heart”, adding: “Audiences have really taken Tony Mammoth and his ridiculous misadventures to their hearts too, and we’re very proud to keep backing such brilliant original comedy from Wales.”

Mammoth has been popular with viewers since it began two years ago, with one person on Imdb calling it “a cracking comedy” and a Reddit user saying it was “one of the best recent comedies”.

“I was f****** howling,” said someone else, as one critic called it “an absolute gem of a comedy”.

Mammoth will return for a third series on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two and BBC One Wales.

The bundle includes three suitcases in different sizes, designed to cover everything from short weekend breaks to longer holidays abroad

Holidaymakers hoping to upgrade their luggage without spending a fortune might want to pop into Home Bargains before jetting off on their next summer getaway. The discount retailer has quietly slashed the price of a travel essential by nearly £90, and it’s being hailed as “perfect for every trip”.

Home Bargains has cut the price of the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3, which normally sells for £149.99, down to a bargain £59.99. The set comprises three suitcases in varying sizes, catering for everything from quick weekend escapes to extended holidays overseas.

According to the product listing, each case is crafted from lightweight ABS material with a hard-shell construction designed to offer durability while minimising weight. The product description, available on the Home Bargains website, reads: “Travel smart with the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3 in sleek black – lightweight, durable ABS material with smooth 4-wheel glide for effortless airport navigation. Perfect for every trip, whether you pack light or heavy.

“Modern Suitcase. Lightweight. Whether you pack light or travel heavy, we’ve got you covered! The smooth 4-wheel glide makes navigating airports effortless, while the strong yet lightweight material ensures durability without adding extra weight.”

The largest case measures 70 x 48 x 29cm, while the medium and cabin sizes come in at 60 x 41 x 26cm and 50 x 35 x 20cm respectively. All three cases are designed to stack inside one another for convenient storage when not being used.

Home Bargains describes the set as “perfect for any trip”, emphasising its lightweight construction and smooth-rolling wheels as standout features designed to reduce travel hassle. Thanks to the current discount, shoppers can now save an impressive 60 per cent, with comparable sets elsewhere carrying significantly steeper price tags.

Budget-friendly suitcase sets such as this have grown increasingly sought-after amongst travellers seeking to reduce costs before holidays, especially as travel demand continues climbing during peak booking seasons. Retailers have noted strong appetite for affordable luggage bundles as families and solo travellers hunt for value-focused alternatives.

The set is also stocked in other colours including grey and navy through the same retailer, with prices staying uniform across the collection while stocks remain available. Shoppers keen on the offer can locate further information, including home delivery arrangements, via the Home Bargains website.

‘We have lammerullepøllse – lamb rolled sausage – today,” says Daniel Hesseldal-Haines, chef at Det Lille Sommerhotel on the Danish island of Samsø. “It tastes better than the translation sounds. And,” he gestures towards a woman sitting by the window, “the lamb is from Camilla’s farm.”

Camilla gives us a friendly wave, and my eyes fix upon her sweater, featuring row upon row of colourful motifs. Think Fair Isle but less orderly: each stripe holds a different design. “Oh, I made this,” she says. “It’s hønsestrik – chicken knitting. You can use it to tell your story – so this one is about hiking,” she adds, pointing to each section: “These are my footprints, this is my tent, my coffee flask …”

Samsø, just 43 sq miles (112 sq km), lies off the coast of the Jutland peninsula, an hour’s ferry ride from Aarhus, and is something of a poster child for sustainability and the good life, being known as “Denmark’s vegetable garden” because of its fertile soil and beneficial climate. It’s been energy-positive since 2007, thanks to community buy-in to initiatives including windfarm ownership and biomass heating systems powered by agricultural waste. The aim is to be completely fossil fuel-free by 2030 – two decades ahead of Denmark’s goal of carbon-neutrality by 2050.

Centuries ago, Samsø was a site of strategic importance during the Viking age: the Kanhave canal, hand-hewn through its narrowest point to facilitate maritime passage, is testament to that. But for many Danes, Samsø is simply a summer holiday destination – not only because of its reliable sunshine, but also because of its beaches, Guinness World Records-certified world’s largest maze and protected northern hills. For almost 100 years, mainlanders’ families have owned summerhouses here and, during the warmer months, the population of about 3,500 inhabitants swells, with visitors numbering more than 300,000.

My visit is in early spring and Det Lille Sommerhotel, in the busy harbour village of Ballen, is my base. Run by Daniel and his wife Lea, who took it over from her mother five years ago, its cosy, seaside theme fits its location perfectly. Spring is a great time to visit – the island is just beginning to wake up. Small groups of walkers pace the lanes. Crops are being harvested, and honesty boxes full of leeks and onions are set up outside homes. Everywhere, hedges and trees are studded with tight green buds on the brink of unfurling.

I head out in the spring sunshine to meet Aage Madsen, the owner of Samsø Bær, on the north-east coast. He makes juices, jams, oils and liqueurs from the island’s natural bounty (the schnapps even comes from the plumules from the birch tree in his back garden). You can tour the factory’s premises with tastings included, as well as stocking up on products to take home, and like many businesses on the island, there’s an honesty system with mobile-pay in place when the shop is unattended.

Over a coffee in Aage’s kitchen, I recognise the work of Samsø potter Sigrid Hovmand on the shelf; the previous day I had spent time in her Nordby studio (open year round by appointment), learning about how she shapes her hand-thrown ceramics into irresistibly tactile, organic yet practical forms.

Even in the warmth of summer, temperatures rarely crack 22C, but springtime sunshine makes a perfectly respectable 15C seem quite balmy. It’s ideal weather for hiking and biking – two of the best ways to explore – and indeed, Samsø is set up for both, with myriad routes to tackle on foot, plus multiple cycling routes and rental stores. Peaceful country roads take me on a leisurely cycle from Ballen to Vesborg Fyr, a striking white lighthouse built in 1858 on the island’s south-western point. When I climb the coiled staircase to the top, the views in every direction are wonderful: breeze-ruffled fields, sparkling sea and the lazy cartwheeling of wind turbines. Only occasionally do I spot a vehicle purring through the landscape. Indeed, there’s not a single traffic light on the island – although there are a lot of electric charging points, most in Tranebjerg, Samsø’s “big city” – a relative term, but where the tourist office, hospital and supermarket are located.

It’s also the site of Sams Island Distillery. Established in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and a former business partner, the brand prides itself on sourcing its ingredients locally. Mads even grows his own beets to provide the “sugar” for his rum, creates small-batch liqueurs with seasonal berries and hunts Lasius fuliginosus – ants with a citrusy secretion in their abdomen – to give his gin a lemony kick. We venture into the woods and he shows me his gathering ground: here, inspired by the of ants in Copenhagen’s former restaurant Noma’s botan ebi (jumbo shrimp dish), he spent months crawling around in search of them.

Before I leave, I hike out along the Besser Rev spit. At 3 miles (5km), it’s an overground reef, formed of glacial marine deposits and forming a narrow, stony path, tufted with scrubby, low-lying vegetation. Brushed on its western side by the shallow waters of Stavns fjord, and by the stronger currents of the Kattegat Sea on the east, passage is sometimes denied by tidal activity. Although I’ve timed my walk carefully, I’m prevented from reaching the reef’s final stretches by signs forbidding access from 1 April until 15 July: it’s nesting season and this area is a vital breeding ground for sea birds. My progress thwarted, I’m content to sit on the sand by the adgang forbudt sign with my face tilted towards the gentle sun, listening to the sounds of nature and contemplating Googling “properties for sale on Samsø”.

The trip was provided by VisitSamsø and VisitDenmark. Det Lille Sommerhotel has B&B doubles from 745DKK (£86) a night

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

Netflix has added one of the biggest British crime dramas of the 21st Century that Dr Foster fans shouldn’t miss

Netflix has finally added the fourth and final season of hit BBC thriller Killing Eve and subscribers will be ecstatic.

The wildly popular crime drama starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer first premiered in 2018 and became an instant success thanks to its sharp writing and addictive narrative.

It follows Grey’s Anatomy star Oh as Eve Polastri, an MI5 analyst who is tasked with surveying and capturing an unhinged assassin known as Villanelle (played by Comer).

Over the course of their electrifying cat-and-mouse chase across the globe, the hunter and the hunted develop an obsession with each other, leading to disastrous consequences.

Also starring a roster of top British and Irish screen talent, including Fiona Shaw (Andor), Edward Bluemel (Sex Education), and Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), as well as Danish star Kim Bodnia (F1) as Villanelle’s Russian handler Konstantin, Killing Eve is considered one of the best British shows of the 21st Century so far.

Fans of the equally beloved psychological thriller Dr Foster, starring Suranne Jones, are urged to check out the series if they haven’t already.

While both shows deal with similar themes of obsession and scandal, Dr Foster also stars Comer as Kate Parks, the young university student whom Jones’s Dr Gemma Foster suspects of having an affair with her husband, Simon (Bertie Carvel).

Killing Eve has already amassed a gigantic following over the years, so make sure you take the opportunity to catch up on the show’s gripping finale. Furthermore, Dr Foster was recently confirmed to be returning for a long-awaited third season, making this the perfect time to dive in to another thriller while fans await its return.

One Rotten Tomatoes user raved: “Totally addictive. It looks like a story line about cat and mouse. But it’s much more than that.”

Someone else exclaimed: “Chefs kiss! This show is spectacular and I still rewatch it all the time! I even showed it to my cat so she knows what good tv looks like.”

“Loved this entire series,” another said, before lamenting: “Really wish it was renewed for a 5th season.”

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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

The enthusiastic reviews continue on IMDb, where one viewer says in a 10/10 write-up: “This show had me hooked after two minutes. What sounds like a typical agent hunting serial killer, surprises with great characters, surprising turning points and amazing cast. I absolutely love every part of it.”

Another fan called it “one of the best shows you’ll ever watch”, before going on to praise the cast for giving an “out-of-this-world masterclass” in acting.

And a final viewer exclaimed: “Warning: highly addictive! Jodie Comer is so charismatic as an assassin that I would hire her to kill me! The best from TV shows that I’ve seen in ages.”

Fancy revisiting an iconic British thriller or diving into Eve and Villanelle’s twisted rivalry for the very first time? Netflix has you covered this week with all four jaw-dropping seasons.

Killing Eve is available to stream on Netflix.

It was once owned by William the Conqueror and is one of the few privately owned villages left in the UK.

The honourable John Rous has a proud smile on his face as he tells me: “The village is built on a 400ft cliff overlooking a gorgeous bay with a living community, there’s nothing else like it.”

Mr Rous inherited the privately owned village of Clovelly on the North Devon coast from his mother, Countess Mary Rous, in 1983 and has since continued to develop and preserve what is one of the UK’s most unique destinations. Clovelly was recorded in the Domesday Book in the 11th century as the property of William the Conqueror. The estate was later inherited by his wife, Matilda of Flanders, England’s first crowned queen, before being purchased in 1738 by the Hamlyn family for £9,438.

Today, Clovelly remains one of the few privately owned villages in the UK and is now owned by the Hamlyns’ descendants, the Rous family. It continues to function as a thriving community, with around 250 residents living in 80 cottages throughout the car-free village, while also being a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year.

When you arrive in Clovelly, you must pass through a visitor centre, where admission costs £10.90 for adults and £6.25 for children aged seven to 16. After taking over the estate in 1983, Mr Rous explains how there was a backlog of repair work that needed to be done. In order to pay for the work and maintain the upkeep of the village, he decided to create a visitor centre where all of the money raised would be redistributed into the village.

“We put together a plan to create the visitor centre and the money created there helps the maintenance of the whole village which is great,” Mr Rous, 75, said. “Fortunately, it all worked out financially and we’re still here today.”

After passing through the visitor centre, visitors can stroll down The Hobby Drive before reaching the cobbled High Street which leads down to Clovelly’s harbour 120m below. Cassandra McFarlane moved to the village from South East London in 2021 and now lives at the top of the High Street in a cottage she describes as “the best in the village”.

“I’ve been here around five years now and absolutely love it,” she says. “It’s like time has stood still in Clovelly, it’s like going back to 1950s Britain. Everyone talks to you, everyone’s polite, you don’t get anti-social behaviour. It’s just a blissful place to live. It’s so peaceful.”

She adds: “It’s very, very safe here. There’s no cars or noise and you have these amazing views. It’s beautiful. You go to sleep at night and hear the owls hooting and you wake up to birdsong or the village woodpecker. It’s just an idyllic place to live and visit.”

While Mr Rous has focussed on developing a tight-knit living community, he also understands the importance of tourism to keep Clovelly intact. The village attracts up to 150,000 people every year, with the majority of them visiting for just a day.

Ms Mcfarlane says: “People sometimes ask me if I get fed up with the tourists and I say: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. We’re very lucky they still want to come and see the village because all of the money they spend to get in here is reinvested in the cottages.

“But also, I meet such lovely people who visit. Most people come here for a day and arrive at 10am and are gone by 4pm. Then it’s back to just the 250 of us.”

Mr Rous adds: “We’re quite fortunate to have a number of day visitors. They arrive after 10am, enjoy the village, and then are mostly gone by 5pm. The village then returns to its sleepy self. We do have people staying in the hotels obviously but they always appreciate and respect the village.”

As well as boosting tourism numbers, the decision to charge an entrance fee to Clovelly, rather than a car park charge, has allowed for a renovation of the historic cottages. Some of the properties date back to the 15th century and require regular maintenance throughout the wetter and windier months.

The regular income has also allowed Clovelly to maintain its policy of having no second homes or absentee landlords. Mr Rous, who lives on the estate which also includes 700 acres of woodland, three large farms and a sawmill, acts as the landlord for every cottage in the village and maintains a close relationship with the tenants.

“I say to people that if you love a traffic-free area or have always wanted to live by the sea, but you can stand visitors, Clovelly will be perfect for you,” Mr Rous explains. “We advertise for the properties but do like to speak with more than one applicant to see who fits the village best.

“We have some families that have been here for generations but also have new ones coming in which is great. The older people give stability to the village while the youngsters give it vitality. It’s the best of both.”

Another feature that makes Clovelly a truly unique village is its use of sledges, which largely replaced donkeys by the 1970s, to transport groceries, laundry and furniture up and down the 400ft cobbled high street. While the sledges might seem like a gimmick to visitors, they perfectly represent how the community has adapted to modern times while preserving its 1,000-year-old past.

“Everyone has their own sledge and they go past every day. I’ve even seen someone take a grand piano down the hill! It’s truly unique,” Ms McFarlane explains.

As there are no chain supermarkets in the village, locals order their groceries to be delivered. When the delivery drivers see “Clovelly” on the address, they give the customers a 15-minute warning so they have time to head to the top of the High Street with their sledge.

Ian Roberts, the manager of The New Inn located half-way down the High Street, is one of 70 staff who are employed to work on the estate throughout the year.

“The New Inn is around 500 years old and remains steeped in history. We [the village] have been here since the days of William the Conqueror and try to keep some of that history,” the 62-year-old says. “There’s so much history in Clovelly, it’s a very unique place. Visiting here is a great opportunity for people to see real history.”

The New Inn has also benefitted from a sympathetic restoration in recent years, preserving its character and enduring charm. The hotel once hosted Charles Dickens who wrote of the cobbled streets and cliffs in “A Message to the Sea”.

Likewise, Charles Kingsley, the 19th-century novelist and poet, lived in the village as a child. After his wife visited Clovelly for the first time in 1854, he wrote: “Now that you have seen the dear old Paradise you know what was the inspiration of my life before I met you.”

“It really is unique here. Places like this are very difficult to find in the UK now,” Mr Roberts, who manages The New Inn with his wife Theresa, adds. “It’s well worth a visit and the views alone are stunning – it’s Instagramable!

“People come here to eat, sleep, rest, relax and enjoy themselves. They come here to get away from the real world and refresh themselves.”

According to the hotel manager, Clovelly can become flooded with visitors over the warmer summer months, including coach loads of day-trippers from across the UK. Two of those tourists are David, who has visited Clovelly once before, and Margaret Herbertson, who is visiting for the first time.

“We didn’t know much about Clovelly before we got here,” Margaret, 75, says. “We obviously Googled it, and did a bit of research, and it looked amazing so we thought we’d come for a visit.”

While standing at the top of the High Street, overlooking the historic 14th-century harbour, David, 78, adds: “Yes, we’ve read about the donkeys going up and down with sledges to transport items. I found that interesting. It’s just a beautiful and peaceful place. I’ve been here once before when I was younger and it doesn’t look like it’s changed much.

“Where we’re stood now overlooking the sea it’s amazing. I don’t think there are many places like it around.” Margaret adds: “It’s unique, isn’t it? What I love is how quiet it is. There’s no cars and no rush.”

While Clovelly is a tranquil fishing village with just 250 inhabitants, there is still plenty to do for visitors. As well as soaking up the sweeping coastal views out the Atlantic, visitors have access to the South West Coast Path, which includes a hike to Mouth Mill Beach.

Ms McFarlane adds: “There’s also loads to do here which people don’t always realise. You can take the ambience in, you can go for walks in the area, we’ve got a museum, we’ve got a few nice little shops, the beautiful harbour, blissful gardens.”

The Clovelly Court Gardens, located at the top of the village, are a perfect spot to relax while visitors can also learn about local history at the Fisherman’s Cottage and the Kingsley Museum and Shop. The village is also the proud host of a number of festivals every year, including the Seaweed Festival in May, the Maritime Festival in July, the Lobster and Crab Feast in August and the Herring Festival in November.

“Around 120 years ago, Clovelly was just a fishing village with a lot of fishing a little bit of tourism. Now, it’s a little bit of fishing, which I’m keen to preserve through a number of festivals like the Lobster and Crab Festival, and a lot of tourism,” Mr Rous adds.

“We’ve maintained a living community while avoiding becoming a seaside village full of holiday lets. It’s such a welcoming place and the people are so proud to be associated with the village.”

BY now you’ve probably seen the viral ‘Ryanair-sized’ underseat bags taking over the internet.

However a lot of the cheap, viral underseat bags are flimsy, ugly, or just plain awkward – that’s where this stylish saviour comes in.

ETRONIK Ryanair-sized Underseat Cabin Bag, £17.95 (was £29.99)

The underseat bag has nearly halved in price, with Amazon slashing the cost down by 40% – taking the price down from £29.99 down to £17.95.

The bag measures 40 x 30 x 20cm, which is the exact maximum size for a Ryanair underseat bag – so you get maximum bang for your buck with this backpack.

This is also the maximum underseat bag size for airlines like Wizz Air, Jet2 and TUI, and it also fits within the size requirements for easyJet.

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Whilst other viral underseat bags can be plain and boring to look at, this budget backpack looks expensive – with trendy brown and cream-coloured accents.

There’s also a sleek all-black option with gold zipper detailing.

One happy shopper noted that the bag “Fits loads inside” and “opens like a suitcase which is great for packing/unpacking on trips”.

She continued “the fact you can pull straps to condense really helps to ensure it complies with airline policies!”.

Another shopper said “This is great value for money. Essentially a backpack but in the shape of a case”.

A third happy customer declared the bag the “Perfect under-seat back pack” with “lots of pockets for all your extra bits”.

ETRONIK Ryanair-sized Underseat Cabin Bag, £17.95 (was £29.99)

While other under-seat bags are often made of thin, flimsy fabric that offers sub-par protection for your tech, this backpack is built to last.

Crafted from thick, waterproof and slash-proof material, this bag keeps your laptop secure and holds its shape perfectly.

Unlike cheaper alternatives that become lumpy and awkward once stuffed, this sturdy bag stays comfortable and secure once it’s packed.

There’s also plenty of handy pockets and compartments to organise all of your items neatly.

There’s a sturdy laptop compartment at the back, a handy pocket organiser at the front, and a front zipper pocket – perfect for popping your passport or phone inside for easy access.

There’s also a side pocket for your water bottle, and even a built-in wet bag inside to store any wet swimwear or leaky toileteries.

Plus this smart 24L bag offers 20% more capacity than many other viral bags which offer similar dimensions but only 20L of storage.

ETRONIK Ryanair-sized Underseat Cabin Bag, £17.95 (was £29.99)

Prices correct at time of publication.

Fans missing Netflix’s hit comedy-drama series After Life should definitely mark their calendars for Ricky Gervais’ next project

The popular Netflix dramedy concluded four years ago.

Netflix has shared an exciting new look at Ricky Gervais’ next series and it looks like a must-watch for After Life fans.

It’s the star’s first series for the streamer since the hit dramedy wrapped up in 2022, concluding the tragically funny story of bereaved journalist Tony Johnson.

This time, Ricky is returning to the world of animation for an original animated series that will definitely have fans of The Ricky Gervais Show with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington feeling nostalgic.

Alley Cats is created and directed by the Office star, who also takes on the leading role as a member of a gang of stray cats.

Netflix teases “the series follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats who seek companionship while ruminating about the struggles of everyday life”.

“From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect,” the streamer’s synopsis adds.

It also boasts exceptional 2D animation by award-winning British animation studio, Blink Industries (Dead End: Paranormal Park, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared).

This week, Netflix confirmed the release date for the new series as Friday, 7th August, with all six episodes of the first season dropping at once.

Co-starring with Ricky is a stellar line-up of British talent, including some frequent collaborators who have worked with him on After Life and other projects.

Tom Basden (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Andrew Brooke (PhoneShop), David Earl (Derek), Kerry Godliman (Trigger Point), Jo Hartley (Adolescence), and Diane Morgan (Motherland) complete the main cast. All of them have also previously appeared in After Life.

Natalie Cassidy (EastEnders) and Tony Way (After Life, Mandy) will also be taking on featured roles.

The new image features fans’ first look at the cast of cats, nestled together next to some wheelie bins as they look out over a city skyline.

Watch Unchosen on Sky for free

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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

Netflix’s announcement has already sparked excitement amongst fans, who can’t wait for the After Life cast to return to Netflix for more laughs.

One X user said: “I’m laughing at this already after reading the cast.. This is going to be fun.”

“If it’s created by Ricky Gervais, I’ll give it a shot,” someone else replied. And another fan predicted: “Ricky Gervais doing adult animation? That cast is ridiculously stacked. Alley Cats might be the sleeper hit of August.”

Alley Cats premieres Friday, 7th August on Netflix.

British crime drama fans won’t want to miss this gripping murder mystery series set in Scotland

Crime drama fans will be hooked on this “addictive” series packed with twists and turns.

Shetland is a cherished British programme adapted from Ann Cleeves’ novels by David Kane. The show centres on police detectives investigating murders across the remote, tight-knit Shetland islands.

Douglas Henshall portrayed DI Jimmy Perez throughout the first seven series, before Ashley Jensen assumed the lead role as DI Ruth Calder from series eight onwards.

The murder mysteries unfold primarily on the eponymous archipelago, though certain scenes are filmed on mainland Scotland. Last month, the BBC announced that production has commenced on Shetland’s 11th series, with Ashley reprising her role as DI Calder alongside Alison O’Donnell as DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

The upcoming instalment will shoot at various Scottish locations and across the Shetland Isles throughout the coming months, with fresh episodes scheduled to debut on BBC One and iPlayer later this year. This comes just months after series 10 wrapped up, reports the Express.

The new six-part series welcomes Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, Gavin Mitchell, John Wark, Jude Bain, Robin Weaver, Beth Marshall, Daniel Boyd, Charlene Boyd, and Helen Mackay to the cast.

Returning favourites include Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Connor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.

The forthcoming series will focus on a historical killing destined to “forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day”.

The official synopsis reveals: “When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made – crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team’s search to uncover the victim’s identity begins with a hunt for the vehicle’s owner – a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.

“As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP’s state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth.”

Before the fresh episodes arrive, viewers can delve into numerous Scottish murder cases as the first ten series of Shetland are currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Shetland has won over millions of devoted followers, ranking amongst the top five most-watched BBC drama programmes of 2025. Furthermore, it held its position as Scotland’s leading BBC drama, with numerous fans drawing comparisons to other BBC favourites including Line of Duty and Blue Lights.

When a Reddit user sought recommendations similar to Line of Duty, one fan responded: “Shetland is a fantastic show. Was a bit slow at first but really gets going quickly and is addictive.”

An IMDb reviewer commented: “Stunning, gripping, dynamic noir series. Beautiful scenery, laid back pace but still a gripping series with great characters.” Another viewer chimed in: “We just started this series and absolutely love it. It gets better as you go, we’re just now on Season 3 and can’t wait to see what’s next. Incredible actors, strong storyline. Worth the watch, just be patient as you start!”

A third enthusiast declared: “This is a superb series that never disappoints. The writing is great and well thought-out, something that is missing in most shows today. The pace is excellent. This series could go on for dozens of seasons and would still hold my interest. Add this to your must-have watch list,” while another echoed the sentiment: “Outstanding mystery series. Absolutely perfect. The characters are likeable, the stories are compelling, the cinematography is stunning.”

Shetland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The Barcelo Corralejo Sands in Fuerteventura offers both adults and children a huge amount of freedom without sacrificing any of the fun

Going on holiday with young children can often feel like an all-or-nothing scenario.You let them stay up extra-late one night to see a show or musician, and all of a sudden, they think sweets at 10pm and bed by midnight is a holiday norm. The extra ice cream is suddenly seen as a daily divine right.When it comes to kids’ clubs, off they go on their merry way to develop their own holiday hinterland for however many hours a day, leaving you free to chill. If you don’t go down the kids’ club route, then you’re most likely trying to divvy up your time between being chief entertainer and having a good time yourself.But on the perma-sun-kissed island of Fuerteventura, I think I’ve found the perfect middle ground hotel that gives kids bags of freedom and entertainment, while offering adults the chance to relax – without the need to commit to a kids’ club.

Barceló Corralejo Sands, to the northeast of the year-round holiday isle that’s now got a direct TUI weekly route from Cardiff Airport, doesn’t set its stall out as a place geared purely towards families, nor as a bolthole for frazzled grown-ups.

Rather than feeling like it has no identity or isn’t sure what it is meant to be, this place feels like an optimum stay for families, solo travellers, and couples of any age.The main reason is a fantastic design that maximises the compact footprint of the site by putting the two pool areas within an easy line of sight of one another down. It means there are no distractions between one side and the other. If you’re on a child-free getaway or couples’ holiday, you can lounge by the larger main pool in what we found was generally a very relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Meanwhile, a matter of seconds away is a genuinely exceptional environment for children.There’s a shallow pool with two slides – one smaller and designed like a humpback whale that would be suitable for even the youngest of kids, and another part of a pirate ship setup that was easily safe and accessible.The water, which also features a palm tree waterfall, is only the beginning of the fun. There’s a generously-sized climbing frame suitable for toddlers, a set of football goals, table football, a table tennis table, and also a pool table. And there’s a small classroom-like building filled with things like toys, such as a role-play kitchen and colouring.Combine it with a set of nearby loungers around the water, access to both the bar and your room, and you’ve essentially got all you need to satisfy everyone for a full day in the sun.Kids can play freely and easily make friends. Provided your child is old enough, you can take it easy while being on hand to splash around in the water, act as cannon fodder in goal, or take them on in one of the tabletop games.In purely logistical terms, Barceló Corralejo Sands is a complete delight. It feels like you can get the best of all worlds as a family with the absolute minimum of stress and effort.

All that would count for a lot less, though, if the rest of the hotel did not rise to the same levels. Thankfully, it does in just the same non-showy way as it bills itself.It’s elegant and classy without being overblown or fussy. The staff are discreet, friendly, and almost without exception absolutely lovely and willing to help. Our poolside suite was light, airy and comfortably spacious for four, even with the ‘lounge’ area having been converted into a second bedroom.The balcony was large and sheltered and, on our side of the pool, the staggered design of the building meant it was completely private from the neighbouring room.There were lots of neat points of attention to detail, such as cute bathroom sets for the children, and handy features like the use of beach/pool towels and a mini fridge to keep any drinks you buy off-site cool.We stayed on a half-board basis and loved the array of breakfast options. It felt particularly decadent to start the day with cava, smoked salmon, and capers, as well as the nightly themes for cuisine from around the world (Spanish, Canarian, and Arabic being my particular highlights).Bottles of wine ranged between roughly €20 (£17) and €30 and a large beer was €3.80 at the time of our visit.We tried and failed to have eaten come the start of the mini disco in the bar each night at 8pm. If I were being picky, I’d say this could maybe have run a shade longer than 15-20 minutes. Part of the reason for its brevity, though, was the nightly bingo at 8.30pm. This was genuinely pacy and fun for all ages, and had us all laughing on several occasions. Each night, there was a musician or another type of performer on at 9pm.The resort, tucked away neatly down a side street, was only a matter of minutes on foot from the buzzy bars and famed ‘music square’ of Corralejo town. It’s an easy walk to an array of different beaches, too, though we generally preferred the relaxed vibes and on-tap fun of being around the pool, which doubled up with the advantage of the buildings offering screening from the island’s famous breeze.If you want to take a day or two further afield, there are plenty of boat trips and excursions on offer.We took a dolphin-spotting trip through TUI Musement (from £132 for a family of four, based on two adults and two children), and we were so glad we did peel ourselves away from the poo. Iit was a mesmerising experience.Put together with the island’s year-round sunny climate and a delightful setting, and in Barceló Corralejo Sands we’ve found a family holiday spot that could easily become a go-to.

Book it

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Corralejo, Fuerteventura, staying at the 4T Barcelo Corralejo Sands on a half board basis from £847 per person.

The price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Suite with Balcony or Terrace departing with TUI Airways flights from Cardiff on June 6, 2026, with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included. To find out more about this holiday or to book go to tui.co.uk, visit your local TUI holiday store, or download the app.

If you fancy leaving later in the year the same trip can be booked for departure on September 19, 2026, from £871 on a half-board basis or £1,086 for all-inclusive.

TUI Musement offers a two-hour dolphin-spotting cruise from Corralejo along Fuerteventura’s north coast from £132 for a family of four. This price is based on two adults (from £40pp) and two children (from £26pp)

THIS stunning Irish island has rugged coastal walks, homemade goat’s cheese and some of the best wildlife spotting in the country.

Cape Clear Island lies just eight miles off the coast of West Cork and is Ireland’s most southerly inhabited Gaeltacht island.

Visitors can reach the remote spot by ferry from Baltimore, with the journey taking around 40 minutes.

The island is known for its sparkling waters, dramatic coastline and wildlife-filled seas, where dolphins, whales and basking sharks can often be spotted.

And once on land, visitors can explore walking trails, visit the famous goat farm or enjoy a pint and a bite to eat before catching the ferry home.

Ferry tickets to the remote island start at just €9 for children’s tickets.

Cape Clear Island is three miles long and one mile wide.

As a Gaeltacht island, the majority of people living there speak Irish, or Gaeilge.

Adult return tickets from Baltimore to Cape Clear cost €20, while children’s tickets cost €9.

There are also special family packages, including two adults and two children, for €50 return.

The island is a popular destination during the summer months with secondary school students looking to improve their Irish language skills on immersion courses.

The hillsides are covered in heather, gorse and other wildflowers, while the water sparkles beneath.

While on the ferry, passengers have a good chance of spotting wildlife beneath the waves.

Dolphins, basking sharks and even whales are known to frequent the waters surrounding Cape Clear.

From higher ground on the island, harmless basking sharks can often be seen lazily gliding through the waters close to shore.

And a number of companies provide boat tours specifically for dolphin and whale watching.

GOAT FARM

Once you’re on the island, there’s plenty to do to keep busy — including visiting the Cape Clear Goat Farm, or Cléire Goats.

The quaint farm was established in 1979 and is located near the Cape Clear Heritage Centre.

Visitors can meet the friendly goats and try delicious homemade goat’s cheese and ice cream.

And if visitors attend the farm between 10am and 12pm, they’ll get a chance to see the goats being milked.

There’s also the main heritage centre, the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, which can be toured, and a world-renowned birdwatching observatory to visit.

There are also plenty of places to go for a paddle in the sea, or to kayak further out.

And on land, there are a number of walking routes that allow visitors to explore every inch of the island’s beauty.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

Cape Clear has a small number of restaurants and bars that provide hearty meals and drinks.

There’s a farmers’ market every Sunday, a small grocery shop and a tourist shop.

Many people who visit the island choose to do a day trip, arriving on the ferry in the morning and leaving again in the evening.

But for those hoping to stay overnight, there are some accommodation options.

There are a few apartments, cottages and houses to rent.

There is also the Chléire Haven glamping site, which is a family-friendly camping site open from April to September.

There’s the Ard na Gaoithe B&B, which provides an early breakfast for guests and encourages Irish speaking.

There’s also Cape Clear Hostel.

JEFF Brazier has shared a sweet tribute to his granddaughter and heaped praise on youngest son Freddy after he became a first time dad. 

Freddy, 21, and girlfriend Holly Swinburn welcomed their daughter in March and, despite the on/off nature of their relationship, it seems proud pops Jeff, 46, isn’t losing out on quality time with the tot. 

The presenter took to Instagram to post a photo of little Isla Jade, whose name is a sweet nod to Freddy’s mum the late Jade Goody, taking a nap on his chest. 

Jeff wrote: “I don’t know that I could love her more.

“A weekend to celebrate our special girl and her Mum and Dad who are doing a great job. She’s perfect.”

Hunky Jeff was keen to prove he’s still got it after becoming a grandad in his forties, stripping off to his pants and poking fun at the new title recently. 

family goals

Why Jeff Brazier is determined to be the best grandad ever at 46

STILL GOT IT

Jeff Brazier strips off to his pants after becoming a grandad at 46 years old

He joked: “Get dressed with Grandad??!!”

And his words of praise for Freddy and Holly come after The Sun revealed Freddy and Holly are in a “solid place” after the new dad “stepped up”. 

An insider said: “Freddy and Holly are in a really solid place right now, they’ve taken the time to work through things properly rather than rush it.

“They’ve had their ups and downs, but that’s actually brought them closer, they understand each other a lot better now.

“There’s a real sense they’re stronger as a couple this time around, more grounded and more focused on what matters.”

They continued: “They’ve both made an effort to communicate better and not let small issues spiral into bigger problems.

“Freddy has really stepped up recently, and Holly has seen that change in him which has helped rebuild trust.”

Our source added: “Those around them feel like they’re more united now, especially with everything going on in their lives.

“It’s less about proving anything to anyone and more about quietly making it work this time.”