TESS Daly and Vernon Kay tonight announced they had split up “amicably” after 23 years of marriage.
A statement from the showbiz couple, with two daughters, said no one else was involved.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, pictured together on The One Show in February, have announced their shock splitCredit: XTess and Vernon on their wedding day in 2003Credit: Rex
The ex Strictly Come Dancing host, 57, and her BBC Radio 2 DJ husband, 52, had grown apart and become more like “roommates” than a married couple.
A source close to the couple told The Sun: “They are both sad that it has come to a natural end but happy for both of their futures.”
Tess and Vernon — who have daughters Phoebe, 21, and 16-year-old Amber — announced their “amicable” marital split in a joint statement last night.
They posted online: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.
“This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire of what is best for both of us.
“We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.
“There are no other parties involved in this decision.”
They are understood to have decided to go public after returning from a Caribbean holiday last month.
Vernon and Tess announced they had split up ‘amicably’ after 23 years of marriageCredit: GettyTess and Vernon’s statement in fullCredit: Instagram
Both shared photographs from their sunshine getaway but failed to post snaps of each other.
A friend insisted the pair, who married in 2003 after two years of dating, had simply grown apart.
They said: “They have had many conversations about this and tears were shed.
“It wasn’t a sudden decision but it’s something they have been quietly navigating together for some time. It was very natural in a way, it’s just one of those things.
“Vernon is a real social butterfly, he loves going to parties with Phoebe and hanging out with her doing things, while Tess is a bit more of a homebody.
“They are still such great friends, which is why they went on that family holiday together.
“Amber and Phoebe are Tess and Vernon’s world and their focus is solely on them.
“They’ll continue to co-parent together and keep making happy memories with their girls.”
Tess and Vernon have asked for privacy and say no one else was involvedCredit: GettyTess cradles newborn daughter Phoebe as Vernon beams up at the camera in 2004Credit: Liam Dunn
It was understood they will keep their six-bedroom family home in Buckinghamshire while they work out their future plans.
A pal added: “Tess and Vernon are both being very grown up about this. They became more like roommates in the end.
“Working out how to move forward is what they’re doing now.
“Vernon works in London five days a week so it’s likely he’ll get a place in the city for now until they decide what to do with the house.”
On Thursday the pair reunited in London with Phoebe, who attends university in New York.
Vernon was in a typically upbeat mood on air yesterday hosting his Radio 2 mid-morning show.
The couple both started off as models before breaking into Channel 4 – Vernon with T4 and Tess hosting the Find Me a Model segment on The Big Breakfast.
They started dating after meeting in 2001. Vernon recalled of their initial encounter: “She didn’t know anyone except me because we’d worked together that day – she spotted me in a crowd and we had a laugh.
ASK anyone in the industry, Tess and Vernon were the loveliest showbiz couple you could ever wish to meet.
Whether together or alone, they’d greet you like family.
I’ll never forget Tess taking time out of her schedule in the middle of a Strictly final to chat with my mum or earlier this year, when I was knocking back booze at a Brits after-party with Vernon where he mocked my table at the ceremony as the “s***test in the house,” as he roared with laughter and gave me a hug.
Both of them are northern, working-class kids who have done bloody good.
And despite the fame and the riches, they’ve never forgotten where they came from.
When Vernon took on his epic ultra-marathon back in 2023, running over 116 miles in four days and raising over £6.1 million for Children In Need in the process, he rang me every single day from the road to update Sun readers on his journey and to urge them to donate.
He was in agony but he never let it show because he knew his struggle was nothing in comparison to those he was helping.
After being sent their joint statement online I immediately felt sad for them both because I know this won’t have been an easy decision.
Ending a marriage of over two decades is never easy.
But when you’re one of the most recognisable British telly couples, having to announce that decision to the nation, knowing the scrutiny they’ll face from online stirrers, would be even more difficult.
But knowing Tess and Vernon, they’ll be facing this together as a family and will shut out the noise and focus solely on their girls.
Tess recently stepped down as Strictly co-host with pal Claudia WinklemanCredit: BBC
“I was instantly attracted by how independent Tess was, and that’s not changed at all.”
In 2003, they married at a church in Vernon’s hometown of Horwich, Greater Manchester.
Phoebe was born in 2004 — the year Tess started co-hosting BBC ballroom dance show Strictly, first with Bruce Forsyth.
In 2007, Tess and Vernon worked together for the first time, co-hosting BBC celebrity singing show, Just The Two of Us.
Two years later, Amber was born.
When they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2023, Tess spoke of how proud she was of hitting the milestone.
She said: “Twenty years is a long time. We still have lots to talk about, the conversation hasn’t dried up.
“That’s a good thing.
“We’ve got lots in common and shared values.
“We just enjoy each other’s company and that’s what it boils down to, really. I’m proud of us.”
Vernon said their marriage got stronger thanks to the Covid lockdowns, saying: “You really get under the skin of your relationship with your kids and your missus.”
Tess and Vernon hosted BBC’s The One Show together in a special episode in February, but those close to them said the cracks in their marriage started to form last year.
A source said: “Vernon is more outgoing than Tess is and he loves nothing more than heading out with his mates.
Last summer he was at loads of Oasis gigs. He loves going to the Brit Awards. He’s so outgoing and he loves that lifestyle.
“After quitting Strictly, Tess has been more keen to enjoy life at a slower pace.
“She’s been working really hard on her swimwear line and has loved not having to jump back on to that Strictly treadmill.
“It became clear after a while that they were becoming more like ships in the night.
“It’s not been easy but, ultimately, if the love they had for each other had gone, what is the point in staying together?”
The new ITV quiz show is fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack
The new ITV quiz show is ‘full of drama and deception’(Image: ITV)
ITV has unveiled the first look at its new reality quiz show with a surprising twist.
Fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, Nobody’s Fool has been billed as a “unique reality event packed full of drama and deception.”
In this ruthless contest, participants’ survival depends not on their actual intelligence, but on how clever their rivals perceive them to be.
Throughout the series, ten competitors from across the UK will share a purpose-built “Smart House,” taking part in a game where perception, tactics and trickery matter just as much as brainpower.
With challenges completed behind closed doors, assumptions, biases and initial impressions will prove crucial, as hasty conclusions and deliberate misdirection keep both contestants and audiences second-guessing.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The show will feature daily individual quizzes testing various forms of intelligence, with correct answers contributing to a collective prize fund.
However, in a clever twist, only the participants themselves will know their actual performance – leaving them free to share as much or as little truth as they wish with their housemates.
As the series progresses, players must identify the weakest link among them and vote them out.
Discussing the programme, Danny Dyer enthused: “this is a blinder of a game show and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Emily and I had a brilliant time making it and much like the audience at home will be, we kept guessing right until the very end.”
Emily Atack added: “It’s so exciting to be part of something this new and fresh. The chance to work with Danny again was a no brainer for me. We had such a laugh. Can’t wait for everyone to watch, it’s an absolute must see.”
Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment at ITV, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor at ITV, said: “Nobody’s Fool is an innovative reality/quiz crossover show that puts preconceptions, stereotypes and judgements to the test.”
They continued: “Danny and Emily are the perfect pairing to host this game of surprise and prejudice, that will no doubt have audiences on the edge of their seats.”
Meanwhile, Richard Cowles, MD, and Tom Gould, Director of Entertainment and Formats at Lifted Entertainment, added: “Nobody’s Fool takes a simple premise – How do you really determine how smart someone is?
He added: “Trust your preconceptions and judgement or what they tell you? – and turns that into a high stakes reality game show with up to £100k up for grabs.
“There is drama at every turn but with Danny and Emily on hosting duties, the fun and laughter is also never far away.”
Love Island presenter and Entrepreneur Maya Jama is heading in to the Traitors castle for the new series for Celebrity Traitors but she is pleading with fans to do this one thing…
Maya is begging fans to do one thing as she heads into the Traitors castle(Image: Getty Images for Netflix)
Maya, who is currently on a break from filming Love Island, took to Instagram to react to the news of her being a part of the iconic TV game show, which will air later this year.
Posting the announcement on her Instagram Story, she said: “Secret’s out,” before pleading with fans with a hand over the eye emoji and said: “wish me luck”.
This message suggests that the star might not be the most confident, with the presenter herself unaware just yet whether she will be a goodie or a baddie in this game.
From then on, their objective will be to identify which participants are making nocturnal trips to the turret dressed in those distinctive hooded cloaks – selecting which remaining contestants will be murdered.
Also taking part is BBC presenter Amol Rajan, The Last of Us actress Bella Ramsey and comedian James Acaster – not to be mixed up with You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt, who has also signed up.
This comes after Maya recently admitted she “is ready to move on” from presenting, as she eyes up a new career in acting. Drama was actually the TV star’s first love, with Maya, 31, auditioning for Channel 4‘s hit teen series Skins when she was just 15.
Despite getting to the final stages, she didn’t make it into the cast, which launched the careers of the likes of Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel and Daniel Kaluuya. And now the Bristol-born star, who is in a relationship with Man City footballer Ruben Dias, is ready to leave presenting to go back into acting.
Speaking to the BBC, Maya revealed she got “disheartened” after having to many unsuccessful auditions as a teen, leading her to give up on her dream. But now, after filming has wrapped for the upcoming release of the second season of Netflixcrime thriller The Gentlemen, Maya’s love for the art has been reignited.
She told the broadcaster that her “dream role” would be to play a villain, but she “naturally fell into presenting roles” after starting out on YouTube. After a few years on social media, she made the move to TV to co-host ITVgame show Cannonball, as well as MOBO Awards in 2017.
The year after she booked to host reality show The Circle and then ITV2 panel show Don’t Hate the Playaz. Of course, Jama’s big break came in 2022 when she replaced Laura Whitmoreas the host for hit ITV reality dating show, Love Island.
Maya added: “I always remember when I started being like ‘how on Earth am I going to get on primetime TV as a girl from Bristol doing YouTube videos’ – it seemed like a massive reach.”
She added: “I naturally fell into presenting when I was young because I got to be myself on camera and I’m interested in humans”, adding: “Now it just feels like the doors opened up again [to get into acting]”. Maya said she is “ready to do something else after presenting for so long.”
Maya reportedly plays the glam wife of a friend of lead character Eddie Horniman, alongside the likes of Vinnie Jones and Ray Winstone. She spent time in 2025 filming at Gloucestershire’s Grade II listed building Badminton House, which is Eddie’s home.
The TV personality soft-launched her new gig with the streamer on social media at the start of last year. She teased her followers on Instagram when she posted a snap of a cast list with the Netflix logo on it.
She also shared a peek of a Netflix script, and posted a photo of her and Skins star Kaya, who plays mob boss Susie Glass in the show. Further adding to the speculation around what is next for Maya, she posted a photo of a Netflix mug, with fans then certain she was working on something big.
WHEN pop superstar Justin Timberlake started dating actress Jessica Biel, they quickly became Hollywood’s hottest couple.
But now, after 14 years of marriage, their relationship is going through a positively chilly phase. For long-suffering Jessica, 44, has drawn a line in the sand following a relentless string of public embarrassments, serving her husband with a brutal ultimatum to clean up his act, or she is out.
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have been married for 14 years after tying the knot in Italy in 2012Credit: GettyJustin’s mugshot following his 2024 drink-driving arrestCredit: Rex
From the humiliating release of bodycam footage showing Justin’s June 2024 drink-driving arrest to fresh whispers of intoxicated antics at a Las Vegas golf tournament just weeks ago, the Cry Me A River singer’s fall from grace has pushed his wife to the edge, according to reports.
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Insiders tell The Sun that Justin pulled the plug on a $100 million NSYNC reunion, in a last stand bid to save his marriage.
Behind closed doors, those who work closely with the couple say Jessica has been the “glue” holding the family together.
A well-placed Los Angeles producer, who has worked closely with Jessica, tells The Sun that the actress’s marriage can sometimes be a far cry from the fairytale Justin sold the world in the 2010s.
Justin was pictured in 2019 getting close with co-star Alisha Wainwright, later apologising publiclyCredit: BD1Jessica continued to work on her drama The Better Sister despite Justin Timberlake’s arrestCredit: Splash
The insider says: “Jessica is a superwoman. For the last decade, she has run the home, carried and raised two boys, continued acting and enjoyed success with a production company in Hollywood. Where she has found the time and energy to balance is staggering. She has been the glue.”
The couple’s permanent relocation to the luxury Yellowstone Club in Montana was Jessica’s way to shield their sons, Silas, 11, and Phineas, 5, from the downsides of fame.
“She took huge pride in being a hands-on mother, ensuring that her kids would be raised in the most normal way and not be impacted by LA life or Hollywood temptations and dramas,” the insider explains.
“Her boys are the most important thing in her life, and she will do her utmost to protect them. That would have absolutely been made clear to Justin.”
The couple share two sons, Silas, 11, and Phineas, 5Credit: GettyIndustry figures were shocked when Justin didn’t walk the red carpet to support Jessica during the awards seasonCredit: Instagram/ Jessica Biel
But while Jessica thrives in the tranquillity of the mountains, Justin remains obsessed with the spotlight.
His gruelling Forget Tomorrow world tour, which finally wrapped last summer after more than 100 gigs, kept him away from home for massive chunks of time and put a strain on their marriage.
Our source adds: “When the lights go out, Jessica is still a devoted, hard-working mum wanting to do the best for her kids.
“Justin is committed, but is also balancing this battle to remain a pop star and entertainer. In today’s world, if you disappear for too long, you become forgotten or irrelevant. That is something Justin would never let happen.”
This desperate need for validation, however, has come at a steep personal cost.
Jessica’s own career has been flying high. She poured her heart into her production company, Iron Ocean Productions, and her acclaimed 2025 series The Better Sister earned her a prestigious 2026 Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Best Actress.
Yet, when her big moment arrived in January, her husband was absent from the red carpet.
“Many industry figures were shocked that Justin didn’t walk the carpet to support her,” the producer notes.
“She had been there for him over the previous seven months. Regardless of his recent scandals, it would have been a great public display of unity.”
Justin’s erratic decision making hasn’t just alienated his wife; he has also managed to infuriate his oldest friends.
The Sun can reveal that the singer recently blew a chance to catapult himself back centre stage by walking away from an epic NSYNC 30th anniversary reunion.
The highly lucrative comeback – which included proposals for a live comeback show, a lucrative Las Vegas residency, and a documentary – could have netted the five bandmates a staggering $100 million.
A top music executive, who was intimately involved in the proposals, claimed Justin’s refusal to commit has caused bitter “disdain and disappointment” among his former bandmates.
They said: “Justin let the boys down, and really killed the chance for a special 30th anniversary adventure. The other boys were the driving forces with everyone on board initially… well, that is what they believed.”
“Pinning down Justin just could not be done. It wasn’t so much that he was saying outright no, but more just not committing. There was a real hope for something momentous and exciting to play out, which could have really put them back to the top of the music world again.”
The insider notes that the bond between the five men, who were once like brothers, has been severely damaged.
“Those five men have been friends through many highs and lows. But this took something away from that bond. Publicly, of course, they will always support Justin, but this was really seen as a wasted chance to make magic happen.”
But those close to Justin say that walking away from the NSYNC reunion was an attempt to rebalance his work with his family life and repair his relationship with his wife.
Justin’s reluctance to embark on a massive boyband tour was also undoubtedly influenced by his latest health battle.
Last summer, the singer revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, a debilitating bacterial infection that wreaked havoc on him both mentally and physically.
Jessica, ever the dutiful wife, stepped up to the plate.
Our source says: “Last summer Jessica really urged her husband to slow down, recover fully and seek the best medical advice. There was a huge sense that Justin really had a tough time on the road doing the dance moves and powering through so many shows with his medical issues.”
“Jessica was really kind, caring, and sympathetic. Justin’s mood and outlook was hit quite hard at the diagnosis. The reality is that his entire future as a performer is potentially on the line given how debilitating Lyme disease can be.”
Even the music executive admitted that the health crisis “must have played a key factor in him stepping back” from the NSYNC tour, though they noted that “there were projects like a doc film which would not have needed him to dance or perform”.
Despite her immense sympathy for his health struggles, Jessica’s patience with Justin’s headline-grabbing antics is running dry.
It’s not the first time he has embarrassed his wife. In 2019, The Sun revealed pictures of him drinking and holding hands with his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright.
Justin was forced to admit he had been drinking alcohol during the encounter, describing it as a “strong lapse of judgement” but insisted “nothing happened”.
He also added a grovelling apology to his family, writing: “I drank way too much that night and regret my behaviour. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son.”
“I apologise to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be.”
Then in 2024, Justin was arrested for drink-driving. The police bodycam footage was released earlier this year, and shows the slurring singer complaining to cops that they were ruining his “world tour”.
Jessica distracted from the embarrassing footage and posted a loved-up snap with her husband on February 1st, captioning it: “Happy 45th to a true original. I love you baby.”
But then last week on April 18 eyewitness reports say that Justin once-again appeared intoxicated at a golf tournament in Las Vegas.
Since then, Page Six reported Jessica was ready to “pull the trigger” on the marriages, with an insider adding: “There’s not much more she can take.”
Now with an ultimatum on the table it appears Jessica is officially done playing the doting wife.
Our source said: “Knowing what a straight shooter she is, there is no way she would hold back on telling her husband exactly how she feels.”
If Justin doesn’t clean up his act, it could be Jessica saying “Bye Bye Bye” to their marriage once and for all.
Jessica and Justin’s representatives were contacted for comment.
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI, and jury selection starts on Monday.
Published On 27 Apr 202627 Apr 2026
Technology tycoons Elon Musk and Sam Altman are poised to face off in a high-stakes trial revolving around the alleged betrayal, deceit and unbridled ambition that blurred the bickering billionaires’ once-shared vision for the development of artificial intelligence.
The trial, which is scheduled to begin on Monday with jury selection, centres on the 2015 birth of ChatGPT maker OpenAI as a nonprofit start-up primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852bn.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI, breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.
Those perceived risks are among the reasons that Musk, the world’s richest person, has cited for filing a lawsuit in August 2024 that will now be decided by a jury and US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California.
The civil lawsuit accuses Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, and his top lieutenant and a cofounder, Greg Brockman, of double-crossing Musk by straying from the San Francisco company’s founding mission to be an altruistic steward of a revolutionary technology. The lawsuit alleges they shifted OpenAI into moneymaking mode behind his back.
The bitter legal fight may come down to a few pages in one executive’s personal diary.
“This is the only chance we have to get out from Elon,” wrote Brockman in the autumn of 2017. “Is he the ‘glorious leader’ that I would pick?”
Brockman’s diary entry is part of the thousands of pages of internal documents revealed in court.
Musk said the defendants kept him in the dark about their plans, exploited his name and financial support to create a “wealth machine” for themselves, and owe damages for having conned him and the public.
He also wants OpenAI to revert to a nonprofit, for Altman and Brockman to be removed as officers and for Altman to be removed from its board.
OpenAI has brushed off Musk’s allegations as an unfounded case of sour grapes that’s aimed at undercutting its rapid growth and bolstering Musk’s own xAI, which he launched in 2023 as a competitor.
The trial also carries risks for Musk, who last month was held liable by another jury for defrauding investors during his $44bn takeover of Twitter in 2022. Any damaging details about Musk and his business tactics could be particularly hurtful now because his rocket ship maker, SpaceX, plans to go public this summer in an initial public offering that could make him the world’s first trillionaire.
FOR many of us, the idea of being a pilot is about as glamorous as it gets – but what is it actually like? Is all that globe-hopping as magical as it seems?
We spoke to two of BA’s most experienced pilots, to find out what really goes on behind the closed cockpit door when the planes are in the sky.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
British Airways pilots reveal what the job is really likeCredit: British AirwaysBritish Airways’ Training Standard Captain Andy Godwin has shared fascinating behind the scenes secretsCredit: British AirwaysSenior Flight Training Manager Mark Dorman recalled one of his most memorable flights, in an empty BA plane over the Northern LightsCredit: British Airways
It is no easy feat becoming a pilot but for British Airways‘ Training Standard Captain Andy Godwin and Senior Flight Training Manager Mark Dorman, flying feels like second nature.
The duo – who are training up wannabe pilots in the British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy (applications currently open) – have answered some of the most common questions people have about flying a British Airways plane…
What’s something people always get wrong about BA planes?
“Everyone things you’d start a plane just like you would a car,” Mark told us. “But in reality, it doesn’t even have a set of keys – either to start it or even get inside.”
“We walk down the jetty, there’s a procedure to open the door, and you just knock – there’s no ignition either.”
What do the pilots eat during a flight?
Mark told us: “We eat very similar food as passengers but we have our own crew meals loaded.
“They’re cooked in the same way, they’ll quite often look quite similar but because of what we’ve potentially done before or what we’re potentially doing after [the flight] – the amount and the timings of food can vary.”
How do you stay alert with such antisocial schedules?
Andy said: “It’s all about planning ahead. You might have a run of early trips, where you don’t even necessarily have a risk of jet lag, but you’re always thinking about your nextsleep to keep your energy up.
“Because short haul can be tough on the body too – you’re working really hard with short sectors, bouncing around doing lots of briefings and lots of talking to the crew as well as passengers, so it’s important to care of little things like staying hydrated.”
“Because there were no passengers on board we were able to switch all of the lights off.
“It meant for the flight crew and the cabin crew, the aircraft was only lit by the Northern Lights for about 20 minutes – there was a really cool, weird green glow in the plane. It was a quite surreal experience.”
And of course, as BA pilots they get discounts on flightsCredit: Getty
He added: “One of my other favourite moments is when I realised I was flying an aeroplane – I was still a co-pilot at the time – and my friend was the captain.”
“We sort of looked at each other like we couldn’t quite believe that we’d been allowed to go flying an aeroplane together, with 140 passengers behind us.
“You’re coming home, you get incredible views, there’s a familiarity to it, it’s busy, it’s quite challenging at times but it’s nice.”
But for overseas, both pilots agreed on one particularly special destination – if a little scary at times – is Innsbruck in Austria.
Innsbruck Airport is in a valley, with such steep mountains either side that it’s a ‘Category C’ airport, which means it requires special training.
Both pilots commented on how special but tricky Innsbruck Airport is to fly intoCredit: Getty
Despite it perhaps being a more technical airport to land at, the mountains either side lend themselves to a spectacular landing and taking off experience with amazing views.
Mark said: “I feel very lucky to have been able to go and fly there.
“I guess the other places that I like, again it sounds a bit silly but places with nice views, I really like flying into Nice because it’s a really interesting approach and you get the most amazing view of the Cap d’Antibes coast around to Cannes.
“Again it’s one of those moments where you’re like, we’re actually doing this.”
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about being a BA pilot?
Andy said: “A question that we’ll quite often get is about what aeroplane we fly and why don’t we just switch to another, almost as if you’re switching between car manufacturers.
“Pilots are only licensed to fly one aircraft at a time so we couldn’t just go and fly another aircraft even though it’s broadly similar.”
“Most pilots are proud of the plane they fly and love being asked about it, the routes it does or anything that allows them to show off their knowledge.”
With 160 places available, the scheme is in its fourth year and covers the entire £100,000 cost of pilot training, over two years.
Trainees start on the ground for six months before taking the controls of a tiny four-seater plane and eventually moving up to a two-engine aircraft.
Andy said: “In a matter of months, you’re flying something lighter than a family car.
“Within a year, you’re in something 100 times heavier…”
One of the final hurdles after training on a simulator and in smaller planes, is taking off and landing a plane with zero passengers on board.
“It’s a once-in-a-career moment,” Andy said. “You do about six take-offs and landings to get your eye in before we let you fly the real thing with passengers.
“[This is] a very significant milestone in a pilot’s career.”
All trainees who complete the scheme are guaranteed a flying role with BA upon completion.
To apply to the Speedbird Academy you need to be 18-years-old or over at the start of training, have six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science, be fluent in English, have a valid passport and be between 1.52metres and 1.9metres tall.
THERE’S no need to give up on booking a summer getaway just yet.
If you’ve noticed holiday prices getting steeper, we’ve got some good news, as it turns out there are plenty of affordable holiday deals you can book for this summer.
Agadir in Morocco is the cheapest place to book a summer holiday this year with LoveholidaysCredit: Getty
Top UK travel companies have crunched the numbers to find the short-haul holiday spots ranking the cheapest for this summer.
From Travel Supermarket to TUI and Loveholidays, insiders have shared their tips on where to look for cheap breaks.
From white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, to volcanic black sand islands that offer a natural spa setup – here’s the cheapest places to holiday abroad this summer.
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir has been named the most affordable destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research byLoveholidays.
The travel company analysed data for package holidays departing between 1st June and 31st August 2026, with Agadir coming out on top.
Summer holidays in Agadir averaged at just £230pp for a week away – but we found deals even cheaper.
Sun-drenched Agadir offers a six-mile-long sweep of golden sand, attracting everyone from surfers to sun-worshippers.
Choose to spend your days soaking up the 30°C heat on a lounger, strolling along the palm-lined promenade, or sipping a chilled mint tea at the glitzy marina.
For those who want a break from the beach, the Souk El Had market offers a maze of stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to handmade jewellery.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Loveholidays offer a seven-night room-only stay at the Anezi Apartments from just £189pp.
Agadir Beach in Morocco boasts a six-mile stretch of golden sandsCredit: Getty
Neapolitan Riviera, Italy
If you’ve had an escape to the scenic coast of Italy on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time to book.
According to Travel Supermarket, holidays in the Neapolitan Riviera have seen the biggest price drop since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
Holidays in this region have seen an average price drop of a whopping £231.53, when compared to what travellers were paying for the same trips last summer.
The Neapolitan Riviera stretches along the sun-drenched coast of Campania in Italy, from foodie-heaven Naples to sunny Sorrento.
This shimmering stretch of coastline also includes some of the country’s trendiest resorts, such as the dramatic Amalfi Coast and the pretty town of Positano.
For an underrated coastal city break, take a trip to Naples, where you can sample world-class handmade pizza in the colourful Spanish Quarter.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Travel Supermarket offers a seven-night room-only stay at the four-star Hotel Casablanca in Naples from £289pp.
Italy’s Neopolitan Riviera has seen the biggest price drop, according to Travel SupermarketCredit: Alamy
Gran Canaria
Holidays to the Canary Islands are one of the most affordable options for a summer holiday abroad this year.
Holiday company TUI have revealed to The Sun that “Gran Canaria comes up trumps for families due to plenty of free kids’ places still available at family resorts” this year.
Gran Canaria is a total sun-soaked paradise, famous for its endless golden sands and sparkling Atlantic waters.
The star of the show is Maspalomas, where dramatic rolling dunes meet the sea, offering beach days with spectacular surroundings.
Along the coast in Meloneras, it’s all about shopping, dining and trendy beach clubs. As the sun sets, the beachfront boardwalks come alive with the buzz of outdoor bars.
The TUI BLUE Tres Vidas lines up family-sized apartments in a prime position for beach days on the sandy shores of Bahia Feliz.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
TUI offer a seven-night stay at the4T TUI BLUE Tres Vidas on a self-catering basisfrom £393pp.
Gran Canaria tops the list for cheap family holidays in the Canary IslandsCredit: Getty
Bodrum, Turkey
If you want to book a trip to the hotspot dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, now’s the time.
According to Travel Supermarket, holidays to the stylish resort of Bodrum in Turkey are also much cheaper than usual, with average prices for a summer holiday dropping by £118.30 compared to the same period last year.
This upscale seaside spot balances ancient historical sites with plenty of glam beach clubs, fancy restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars.
Explore the glittering marina by strolling its palm-lined waterfront, dipping into a seafood restaurant for lunch or jetting out on a boat trip to a nearby bay.
Plus, history buffs will love a trip to the 15th-century Bodrum Castle perched upon a rocky peninsula, or the preserved Bodrum Amphitheatre that is free to explore.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Travel Supermarket offer a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Kriss Hotel from £465pp.
Bodrum has seen an average price drop of £118.30 since the start of the conflictCredit: Getty
Tenerife
Tenerife is a classic summer holiday favourite, but did you know that the island offers some of the cheapest trips for adults this summer?
Holiday company TUI told us that while “Great deals can be found across all of the islands…Tenerife comes out top for adults-only trips”.
When it comes to a classic fly and flop beach holiday, Tenerife is a top contender. The crescent of Playa de las Teresitas is straight out of a holiday magazine, with golden sands dotted with palm trees and calm, shallow waters.
Playa de la Arena, on the other hand, has a natural spa-like feel with mineral-rich, volcanic black sand.
And with the temperature hovering at 28°C in the summer months, this reliable and affordable hotspot continues to shine.
The adults-only TUI BLUE Los Gigantes sits at the ocean edge, so visitors get sea views from almost every vantage point. Glass-wrapped terraces give it a contemporary look, and with wine-tasting sessions, cocktail masterclasses and cooking courses all on offer.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
TUI offer a seven-night stay at the4T+ TUI BLUE Los Giganteson a half-board basisfrom £550pp.
Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife is an idyllic golden sand beach, perfect for a fly and flop breakCredit: Getty
Cape Verde
For those craving a white-sand beach and turquoise waters without the long-haul flight or the Caribbean price tag, Cape Verde is your answer.
Holidays to this stunning archipelago have seen a significant price drop in price, with average costs falling by £98.82 compared to the same period last year, according to Travel Supermarket.
The country’s ten islands offer miles upon miles of pristine beaches and unspoilt volcanic landscapes.
On the popular island of Sal, you can laze on the golden sands of Santa Maria Beach, or explore the colourful town behind it, packed with lively surf bars and restaurants.
And with temperatures reaching 30°C in the summer months, it’s the perfect place to escape the unpredictable British weather and soak up some sun.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Travel Supermarket offers a seven-night stay with breakfast at the four-star Dunas de Sal from £701pp.
Tarrafal Beach is just one of many to visit across Cape Verde’s ten islandsCredit: Getty
Costa Dorada, Spain
Spain‘s Costa Dorada ranks as the second cheapest place to book a summer holiday this year with Loveholidays.
The travel company’s research found that a seven-night summer break this year averaged just £381pp.
This Spanish resort is ideal for anyone who wants to mix lazy beach days with action-packed family adventure.
You can spend your morning conquering the world-class rollercoasters and waterslides at PortAventura World, before retreating to the palm-lined promenade of Salou for a chilled drink.
For a dose of history, the ancient city of Tarragona is right on your doorstep. Here you can wander through a Roman amphitheatre that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Loveholidays offer a seven-night room-only stay at the Vistamar hotel from £259pp.
Visit PortAventura World on a trip to Salou in Spain’s Costa DoradaCredit: PortAventura World
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya remains an affordable spot on the Turkish Riviera, offering a high-end feel for a fraction of the usual cost this year.
Summer holidays in the region arenow costing £90.29 less than they did before the Iran conflict, according to Travel Supermarket.
To the east, the soft sands of Lara Beach are lined with luxury resorts, while the pebbled shores of Konyaalti on the west have clear waters backed by the impressive Bey Mountains.
With summer temperatures regularly hitting 34C, it is a paradise for those who want to tan with a view and warm waters to dive into.
Make sure to tick off Kaleiçi, where you can wander past Ottoman-era architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that lead down to the Roman harbour.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Travel Supermarket offer seven-night stay with breakfast at the Atalia hotel from £289pp.
Holidays to Antalya are now costing £90.29 less on average, according to Travel SupermarketCredit: Alamy
Majorca, Spain
Majorca is a firm British holiday favourite, and this year the Balearic gem is more affordable than usual.
According to Travel Supermarket, average holiday prices for the island have taken a dip of £86.28 compared to the same period last year.
This sunny Spanish island is full of variety. Lose yourself in the winding, cobblestone streets of Palma’s Old Town, overlooked by its massive Gothic cathedral, or head north to Puerto Pollensa for a more relaxed pace along its pine-lined promenade.
For nature lovers, the Drach Caves offer an otherworldly underground experience, with one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.
Of course, the real draw is the sun-soaked coastline. With summer temperatures averaging a perfect 30C, the island’s Blue Flag beaches are calling this summer.
Es Trenc is a particularly beautiful beach, with shallow waters that are almost a luminous blue.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Travel Supermarket offers a five-night room-only stay at the Alcina hotel from £199pp.
Visit the Old Town of Palma de Mallorca for amazing architecture, like the Gothic CathedralCredit: Getty
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes continues to reign as one of TUI’s most affordable Greek destinations, and the holiday company have told us that there’s “an abundance of brilliant deals still to be found” there this summer.
The UNESO-listed medieval Old Town is home to historic sites and Gothic palaces, whilst the seaside tavernas that line the coast offer a scenic spot to enjoy a cold beer or a fresh Greek salad.
When it comes to beaches, Faliraki Beach boasts three miles of soft sands and shallow, bath-warm water that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.
The resort of Ixia offers a cooling breeze that makes the 30C summer heat all the more comfortable.
In Ixia, the Lito Hotel has outdoor pools facing scenic coastal views, all just a 5-minute drive from the main town centre.
Book a break
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
TUI offer a seven-night stay with breakfast at the3T Lito Hotel from £417pp.
Rhodes in Greece is one of the cheapest summer holiday destinations to book with TUICredit: Getty
Professional pickpocket Lee Thompson left Amanda Holden open-mouthed when he admitted his real age on stage
Samantha King Content Editor
22:15, 18 Apr 2026
The judging panel couldn’t believe how old he actually was(Image: ITV)
A skilled pickpocket who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent tonight (April 18) left the judging panel gobsmacked within moments of stepping onto the stage.
Lee Thompson, from Birmingham, delivered a slick routine in which he repeatedly lifted Ant and Dec’s phones, glasses and room keys without them having the faintest idea.
He was also shown secretly planting wristwatches in the bags and pockets of audience members after posing as a security guard in a pre-recorded segment — and even managed to pull one over on the judging panel backstage, Simon Cowell included.
Yet it wasn’t his nimble fingers that first left the panel speechless — it was his age. Within moments of stepping out on stage, he had Amanda Holden in particular utterly open-mouthed.
“You look very dapper,” Amanda began as the performer first walked out. He swiftly fired back: “Oh! Do I look my age?”, reports Wales Online.
“I don’t know, how old are you babes?” the judge quipped, prompting Lee to reveal: “I’m touching 60.”
The admission left Amanda visibly stunned as she shot back with a “You’re not! Are you?” in sheer disbelief. Simon, clearly equally impressed, then weighed in with: “You look good.”
Following that exchange, he went on to wow the entire panel with his act, earning himself the title of the “modern-day Artful Dodger” from Amanda.
Remarkably, Lee was actually employed as a Pickpocket Consultant on Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock series on Prime Video, which follows a young Sherlock Holmes as he finds himself trying his hand at pickpocketing after being inspired by the story of Oliver Twist.
Viewers at home were equally taken with the performer, with one writing: “This is genuinely amazing. Even if he might be incriminating himself.” A second enthused: “That was clever, funny and amazing….good job.”
While Lee breezed through to the next round with four yes votes from the judging panel, some viewers questioned why he wasn’t awarded the prized Golden Buzzer, which grants an act a direct pass through to the live final.
Fans were outraged this evening after KSI awarded his Golden Buzzer to a contentious act. Comedy performer Mr Cherry, 44, kicked off his routine by opening a jar of pickles before subsequently uncorking wine bottles with his buttocks.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I don’t know about you but that was the greatest thing I have ever seen,” KSI declared, as disgruntled viewers swiftly branded his choice the “worst Golden Buzzer” act ever put through on the programme.
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX. All episodes can be streamed on ITVX after broadcast.