Towie star Jake Hall revealed the ‘only one reason’ he was still alive in an emotional last interviewCredit: InstagramThe 35-year-old said his daughter River brought him back from the brink in 2023Credit: Instagram
“If I’m honest, River is the reason I’m here today. She’s amazing and we’ve got an incredible relationship. She’s very creative, is always dancing and loves clothes.
“It was that part that hurt most when I lost Prévu. I lost something that was for her, everything I do is for her and her future.”
Jake shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015 and had an explosive on-off relationship with Chloe Lewis, with millions of viewers following every moment of their doomed romance.
He left the show in 2016 and later revealed he had not kept in touch with any of his co-stars.
“I was very young,” he said.
Jake Hall with his ex wife Missé Beqiri and their daughter RiverCredit: Instagram/JakeHallJake Hall’s first fashion label Prévu collapsed in 2023Credit: Getty
“And it was an experience. I’m in a very different place in life now and want different things. There has been a lot of good and bad.”
Jake also opened about finding early success hard, and that he had struggled with self-belief when he was younger which had a major impact on his life.
He was desperate to be a role model for children who had faced similar problems and could not see themselves succeeding.
He said: “School was tough for me.
“I had dyslexia and quite a lot of problems growing up, and I want to show guys who might be similar to me that they can do it too. If I can, so can they.”
At the time of the interview in May last year, Jake was celebrating the launch of his second clothing brand By Jake Hall.
It had already been worn by major stars including David Beckham, former Vogue editor Edward Enninful and Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
Enninful, one of the most respected names in fashion, had worn one of Jake’s suits during the Monaco Grand Prix and had ordered two more.
Cops found Jake with fatal head wounds at a rented villa in MajorcaCredit: Solarpix
Beckham chose a jacket and trousers for a DB eyewear campaign.
Jake said he had plans to expand into womenswear and fragrance and as he talked about the brand’s success, his face lit up.
“The last few months have been pretty amazing,” he said.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and rebuilding a business is never easy.
“I’m in a really good place at the moment and excited about the future. I can feel the energy and the spark, and I just want to keep that momentum going. The comeback is on. I know I can do it.”
Jake shared his daughter with Misse Beqiri, star of The Real Housewives of Cheshire. The pair welcomed River in 2017 but split in 2021.
Cops found Jake with fatal head wounds at a rented villa in Majorca in the early hours of Wednesday.
The star had smashed his head against a glass door during a booze-fuelled rampage, police sources claim.
The star reportedly smashed his head against a glass doorCredit: ShutterstockJake Hall holding a painting outside the property in SpainCredit: Instagram
Neighbours reported hearing “loud noises” that were strong enough to make walls vibrate just hours before police arrived at the property.
An investigation has been launched by the Spanish Civil Guard.
Police have quizzed four men and two women staying at the house.
They reportedly told officers that they had been out in the evening and continued partying after returning to the property in the early hours.
Authorities have not released the nationalities of the others who were at the property.
Theme parks are an expensive day out. But there are inexpensive options outside of the major parks, and here are some that offer value for money days out for families ahead of half term
Which theme parks offer the best value for money?(Image: handout)
With a combination of better weather and half term on the way, many people will be heading to theme parks in the coming weeks. However, theme parks are a pricey choice for a day out. It’s not just the cost of the ticket itself, but the extras, such as parking, food, and drinks that add up.
But some theme parks do offer better value for money than others. Aqua, a credit cardprovider, has compared the cost of theme parks across the UK, looking at factors such as the average adult ticket price, the cost per rollercoaster based on ticket price, and even the average cost of a hotel nearby if you stay overnight.
Here are the top five theme parks based on value for money.
Opened in the 1970s, this beachfront amusement park in Aberdeen is a fun family day out. For £24.99, adults can enjoy unlimited rides, a round of pirate golf, and other activities. Rides include a 100ft Ferris wheel, bumper boats, a huge swing ship, and waltzers, and visitors can also enjoy a soft play area, indoor arcade, and go-karting, so there’s something for all weathers.
4. M&D’s Scotland Theme Park – Strathclyde
Scottish theme park M&Ds is currently celebrating its 30th year, and offers wristbands for unlimited rides all day for £19.95. However, if you’re not a rollercoaster fan, you can still enter for free, or pay for individual rides. Attractions include the Miami Rip Tide that twirls riders round in the air, the 21m high Freak Out, and the classic Runaway Mine Train.
3. Fantasy Island – Skegness and Gulliver’s Land – Buckinghamshire
Two theme parks shared first place. Fantasy Island in Skegness offers free entry to the park and on-site market, and you can then choose whether to buy a ride wristband. Costs vary depending on when you visit, with unlimited wristbands starting at £22.50. Rides include Wild River Rapids, the Volcano, which sees guests plunge 183 feet, and the Odyssey rollercoaster.
Gulliver’s has four theme parks across the UK, and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes was highlighted as the best value. It offers free parking, which not all theme parks do, with the average ticket price at £26. While Fantasy Island got slightly higher reviews overall, Gulliver’s Land offers plenty of family fun with rides including Jungle Falls flume, the Buccaneer pirate swing, and Dragon Siege.
2. Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park – North Yorkshire
Offering 11 rollercoasters, Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is a packed day out with the average adult ticket price coming in at £25. The park changed hands in January, with the new owners aiming to turn the attraction around. It has over 35 rides and attractions, including the brand new Spinning Racer Family Rollercoaster, which “sends you twisting, turning and spinning through sweeping bends and surprise drops.”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach clinched the top spot, likely due to its large number of roller coasters for its ticket price. The average adult ticket is £32, and this includes unlimited access to 26 rides, including 10 rollercoasters, four of which are classic wooden coasters.
Blackpool’s thrill rides include the Big One, which includes a 235ft drop, Valhalla, an award-winning water ride, and Grand National, a classic wooden racing coaster. Not into adrenaline-thumping rides? The park is also home to Nickelodeon Land, which includes PAW Patrol and SpongeBob themed areas, and lots of family-friendly rides too.
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Indiana officials have disclosed the official cause of death for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon, who died in March.
The Putnam County Coroner confirmed in a report shared with The Times on Tuesday that the actor, best known for portraying the loyal and wisecracking Xander Harris, died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction — a heart attack — were listed as contributing factors in his death.
Brendon died March 20, his family announced in a statement on his social media pages. The family said he died of natural causes, which was also confirmed by the coroner’s report. The report also noted that Brendon had “90% blockage” in his right coronary artery. He was 54.
“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” his family said on Instagram in March. “Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”
Prior to his death, Brendon experienced multiple health issues. He was hospitalized in 2022 after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and after suffering a cardiac incident. The “Criminal Minds” star also underwent multiple spinal surgeries to manage cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition in which nerve bundle in the lumbar or sacral spine are compressed or not functioning properly. His serious spinal injury was triggered by a fall in 2021 that required emergency surgery to prevent paralysis, his manager Theresa Fortier said in a statement at the time.
The coroner’s report described the scene of Brendon’s death, noting that because of the actor’s “declining health” Fortier had spent more time with him and notified authorities of his passing. The report confirmed there were no “obvious signs” of foul play and that “nothing seemed out of place or disturbed” in Brendon’s home, which appeared to be under renovation. Fortier told officials that the actor — a longtime smoker — was dealing with a “persistent” cough, complaining about chest pain and “self-medicating” with over-the-counter drugs prior to his death, according to the report. Brendon also declined further medical treatment.
According to the report, Brendon also had a “markedly enlarged heart,” “moderate” blockage in some of his left arteries and small bowel inflammation.
In addition to “Buffy” and “Criminal Minds,” Brendon was known for roles in the TV series “Without a Trace,” “Private Practice” and “Kitchen Confidential.”
Times staff writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.
THE most beautiful museums in the world have been named but you will have to hop on a plane to visit any of them.
The 2026 list has been revealed Prix Versailles, with the architecture competition including everything from airports to train stations.
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The world’s most beautiful museums have been revealed and NONE are in the UKCredit: AlamyLithuania’s Lost Shtetl Museum was the only European entryCredit: Alamy
Yet the 2026 The World’s Most Beautiful Museums list only has one entry in Europe – and it wasn’t in the UK.
“Beyond welcoming their visitors, we hope these places will be sources of inspiration for all those who serve the common good of humanity.”
The only European winner was Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania.
Designed to look like a small town (being the Yiddish translation of Shtetl), the museum is based on the typical Lithuanian Jewish family.
Tourists have raved about it, with one saying: “This museum is one of the best at least in Baltics, if not in Europe.”
Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, which opened in December last year and cost £502million to build, also made the list.
The museum goes back 300,000 years of the Emirates, and is a tribute to the UAE’s first president Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It was even designed by the UK architectural company Foster + Partners (behind London’s Gherkin) and has a collaboration with the British Museum to offer more than 500 artifacts.
America’s National Medal of Honor Museum in Texas was also named, which features recipients of the highest military awards.
In Uzbekistan, the Islamic Civilization Center made the list, which is home to a museum as well as libraries and science labs.
Having opened back in March 2026, it has also been awarded a Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest museum of Islamic civilization.
China had two entries on the most beautiful museum list – the Xuelei Fragrance Museum (the largest fragrance museum in the world) and Shenzhen’s Science and Technology Museum which opened last year.
And finally, Japan‘s MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, which opened in March 2026, was also praised.
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles explained: “The World’s Most Beautiful Museums List for 2026 stands out for the quality of its architectural interpretations and staging, elevating the sites with extraordinary narrative power.
“Together, these museums provide a real illustration of how strength and talent can be revealed through harmony, sensitivity and sharing.”
Previous winners on the list include Grand Palais in Paris (2025) and Grand Egyptian Museum (2024).
The New Building of Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum in China’s Shenzhen is a geometric marvelCredit: Alamy
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The Department of Energy is seeking millions of dollars for work in part on a new bunker-busting nuclear weapon called the Nuclear Deterrent System-Air-delivered (NDS-A) in its latest budget request. At present, there is only one specialized air-delivered deep-penetrating weapon known to be in America’s nuclear stockpile, the B61-11 gravity bomb, and there have been discussions about a potential successor for decades now.
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the Department of Energy, which was released last month, includes a new line under Weapons Activities for Future Programs. The Department is asking for $99.794 million in the next fiscal cycle to support those efforts.
An example of the B61-11, or more likely an inert version thereof. This is the only specialized air-delivered deep-penetrating weapon known to be in the U.S. nuclear stockpile today. Public Domain
“The Increase represents the start of one new Phase 6.X program, currently known as Phase 1 Nuclear Deterrent System-Air-delivered (NDS-A), as well as supporting production assessments for two new Rapid Capability Team (RCT) projects,” according to a public summary of what the Future Program funding would support.
The Department of Energy, in cooperation with the U.S. military, develops, produces, and sustains nuclear weapons, and uses a multi-phase rubric to categorize where they are in their respective life cycles. The Phase 6.X process is itself broken into several stages, spanning all the way from the definition of the basic concept of a weapon and its requirements through to full-scale production.
A graphic offering a general overview of the Phase 6.X process. NNSA
Where the NDS-A may already be in the process is unknown, but the mention of “Phase 1” here could point to Phase 6.1, which is the basic concept assessment stage. Beyond that it will be air-delivered, there are also no details currently available publicly about the weapon’s design, including whether it will be based on something already in the stockpile. It is also not known if it will be an unpowered bomb or a missile/rocket-assisted weapon of some kind. We will come back to this point later on.
“The Nuclear Deterrent System-Air-delivered will provide the President with additional nuclear options to defeat Hard and Deeply Buried Targets, ensuring that adversaries cannot place their most valued assets beyond the reach of America’s nuclear forces,” a spokesperson for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) told TWZ when asked for more information. “The program is moving aggressively, and further information will become publicly available when it is strategically beneficial to the United States.”
Within the Department of Energy, NNSA is specifically responsible for nuclear weapons-related activities.
As noted, at present, the B61-11 is the only air-delivered nuclear weapon in the U.S. stockpile today that is specifically designed to address this target set. The B61-11 is based on the earlier B61-7, but is substantially different in form and function. It has a heavily reinforced outer shell, possibly with a depleted uranium penetrating nose section, and a rocket booster at the rear to help it penetrate down into underground facilities. Sources differ on the maximum yield of the B61-11, but it is said to either be between 340 and 360 kilotons (identical to that of the B61-7) or to be closer to 400 kilotons. There are also reportedly fewer than 100 of these bombs in the stockpile.
The yield of the B61-11 is classified, but it is a converted B61-7 bomb. The yield of the -7 and -11 are usually given as more than 300 kilotons. @nukestrat says the B61-11 was increased to 400 kt. Either way, this is a very powerful nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/2GZ3zB6m4K
— Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) June 19, 2025
You can learn more about the entire B61 family, the first versions of which entered service in the 1960s, here.
For a time, the newer B61-12 variant, which has a precision guidance package in a new tail kit, was considered as a potential successor to the B61-11. The B61-12 is also a dial-a-yield design with multiple yield settings, but the highest one is reportedly 50 kilotons. The logic was that improved accuracy would allow for more precise placement of the bomb, and, by extension, of its explosive force. This, in turn, would make up for its lack of deep-penetrating capability and more limited yield. The plan to supplant the B61-11 with the B61-12 was subsequently abandoned.
B61-12 Flight Test with F35-A Lightning II
More recently, a more powerful B61-13 variant, which features the same precision guidance tail kit as the B61-12, was developed explicitly to provide “the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets.” This version is understood to have a maximum yield in line with the B61-7. However, the U.S. government has also previously said that the B61-13 is not intended as a direct replacement for the B61-11, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
The first B61-13 production unit. NNSA
The U.S. military also has B83-1 nuclear gravity bombs in the stockpile, which are of a completely different design from the B61 series and have a far more powerful megaton-class maximum yield. By virtue of that high yield, the B83-1 is also intended to be used against certain deeply buried and otherwise hardened facilities, as well as large-area targets.
An inert example of a B83-series nuclear gravity bomb. US military An inert B83-series nuclear bomb. DOD
In the early 2000s, NNSA, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, did explore the possibility of developing a B61-11-like bomb on the basis of the B83-1, as well as a new deep-penetrating version of the B61 itself. In 2005, Congress brought a halt to work on what was dubbed the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP).
A low-quality and now thoroughly dated briefing slide discussing the RNEP effort. USAF
There have been hints since then, however, about possible revivals of the RNEP concept and/or other plans for a true successor to the B61-11.
This weapon was not explicitly mentioned in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review. But NNSA bases the new weapon on the NPR’s guidance to “enhance the flexibility and range of [US] tailored deterrence options.
Welcome back from the grave, RNEP!
— Hans Kristensen (also on Bluesky) (@nukestrat) August 1, 2019
What may be prompting the requirement for the NDS-A now is unknown. There are deeply-buried targets only a nuclear weapon can realistically destroy. The development of the B61-11 is understood to have been prompted heavily by one such facility in particular, Russia’s Kosvinsky Kamen bunker. Kosvinsky Kamen is a key node in the Russian nuclear command and control enterprise and was built under a mountain of the same name in the northern Urals. The nature of its location and design also means it could serve as a so-called “continuity of government” site for senior leadership to operate from before or after a nuclear strike or in response to some other major emergency.
However, the landscape of deeply-buried, hardened facilities that U.S. authorities would be interested in holding at risk has grown substantially in the past two decades since work, at least publicly, on RNEP came to an end.
In the past year, the matter of Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facilities, and the limits of U.S. conventional options for prosecuting those targets, has been an especially hot-button issue. During Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, U.S. B-2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz with 30,000-pound-class GBU-57/B conventional bunker buster bombs. The outcome of that operation remains a subject of heated debate and is deeply intertwined with the justifications for U.S. and Israeli forces launching the latest campaign against Iran in February. U.S. officials are now at a crossroads with how to proceed with operations targeting Iran, which has now turned to a maritime blockade, at least for the time being, following the announcement of a ceasefire in April.
The video below is a montage of imagery from GBU-57/B MOP tests over the years.
GBU-57 MOP test
Broader concerns about just getting the B61-11 to its intended target in the future may also be a factor driving plans now for the new NDS-A nuclear bunker buster. Unpowered bunker buster bombs, nuclear or conventional, need to be released relatively close to their targets. The kinds of facilities that the B61-11 is intended to be employed against are deep inside hostile territory, behind layers of integrated air defenses. Major potential adversaries, as well as smaller nation states and even non-state actors, are only expected to expand the scale and scope of their defensive architectures in the coming years. With all this in mind, it is not surprising that the more survivable B-2 is currently the only platform certified to employ the B61-11, as well as the conventional MOP. It is more or less a given that both of those weapons will be integrated onto the forthcoming B-21 Raider for the same general reasons.
A B-2 bomber drops a GBU-57/B MOP during a test. USAF
A rendering of the still-in-development AGM-181 Long Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile. USAF
As an aside here, powered designs have also been part of the discussions about potential conventional successors to the MOP. A follow-on to the GBU-57/B, the Next Generation Penetrator (NGP), is now in development, but it is unclear whether or not that will be a powered weapon. Still, when it comes to the NDS-A, it seems more likely that it will be a traditional bomb that adapts elements of existing designs, including the B61-11, -12, and -13.
A 2010 briefing slide discussing plans for a Next Generation Penetrator, which could have a powered standoff capability, and other future bunker busters. USAF
More definitely remains to be learned about the NDS-A program and the design of that weapon. What is clear is that the Department of Energy is requesting funding to kick off at least the initial development of a new air-delivered nuclear bunker buster that could succeed the B61-11.
UPDATE: 5:27 PM EST –
It has been brought to our attention that some additional details about the NDS-A effort have been tucked away in U.S. budget requests in recent years.
In its Fiscal Year 2025 budget, the Air Force asked for, and ultimately received just over $39 million for work on NDS-A, but under a budget line titled “Hard and Deeply Buried Target Defeat System (HDBTDS) Prototyping.”
“The Air-delivered Nuclear Delivery System (NDS-A) is a new start project to address a capability gap identified in the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). A congressionally directed study based on the NPR led to endorsement of the Deputy’s Management Action Group (DMAG) and initiation of this project,” according to the 2025 Fiscal Year budget documents. “The Air Force will work with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and its National Laboratories to develop a prototype NDS-A system to demonstrate the capability to close this gap in the near term.”
“Early development will include Model and Simulation (M&S) analysis of several nuclear explosive package (NEP) options to refine the proposed NEP,” the budget documents add. “Ground tests may include wind tunnel, static ejection, vibration and thermal, cable pull-down, and sled tests. Flight tests will be performed by USAF F-15E developmental flight test aircraft, with final prototype demonstrations flown on B-2 aircraft.”
The video below shows flight testing of the B61-12 using a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle.
B61-12 full-weapon system demonstration at Tonopah Test Range
In the Air Force’s proposed 2026 Fiscal Year budget, the line item was renamed “Nuclear Delivery Systems Prototyping,” but references to NDS-A by name were also omitted. A nearly $18 million year-over-year increase in requested funding (from roughly $39 million to almost $57 million) was attributed “to greater emphasis on prototype design after completion of Modeling and Simulation of mission effectiveness of design space options; increased procurement and development of components; the initiation of subsystem and test unit assembly; and the initiation of ground tests of the Prototype Weapon Assemblies.”
The Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 budget documents do not provide any details about the design of the weapon or say what aircraft it will be integrated onto operationally.
More details about the current state of the Air Force side of this program are likely contained in the service’s 2027 Fiscal Year budget request documents. However, at the time of writing this update, they are inaccessible online.
JUST weeks after Mimii Ngulube revealed she was in a fresh relationship, The Sun can reveal the identity of her hunky new man.
The Love Island winner hard-launched her other half by sharing a TikTok dance clip with him this week, but fans have been wondering who the man behind the screen really is.
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After Mimii Ngulube revealed she was in a fresh romance, The Sun can reveal who her hunky new boyfriend isCredit: InstagramMimii’s new beau, Denzel, keeps a low profile with just 2000 followers online, unlike his realiy star girlfriendCredit: instagram
Mimii’s new boyfriend, Denzel, keeps a much lower-profile than the reality star and has just 2.3K followers on Instagram – with little about him on the internet.
The pair have been getting close over recent months, and a source tells The Sun that the smitten couple are “really happy” after making their romance official.
They revealed: “Mimii and Denzel are really happy together.
“She keeps a fairly low profile compared to a lot of the Love Island winners, so for her to hard launch him on her socials means she is definitely smitten.
The pair have been keeping details of their romance under wraps over recent monthsCredit: mHowever, fans did get a sneak peek of the new couple together in Mimii’s most recent TikTok as she hard-launched the relationshipCredit: TikTokPals say that Mimii is ‘so happy’ since meeting DenzelCredit: InstagramIt comes after Mimii split from Josh Oyinsan, whom she won Love Island with in 2024Credit: Rex
“He is a good guy, with good values. He is very religious, as is Mimi, so they have that in common.
“Friends have commented how she hasn’t been this happy in ages and it’s great to see her with such a huge smile on her face.”
However, she kept details to a minimum, other than revealing he treated her to some luxury birthday gifts.
But in Mimii’s latest TikTok, fans finally got a glimpse into the romance as she danced whilst Denzel was spotted busting a move in the frame behind her.
However, she still refrained from naming or tagging Denzel, who has around 2,000 followers on Instagram and is thought to hail from Kent.
Mimii won Love Island in 2024 with her ex Josh Oyinsan.
AROUND the country are some incredible Airbnbs, but this one on the Isle of Wight has been dubbed one of the best in the UK for families.
The pretty glamping site sits on the edge of Tapnell Farm Park so it’s the perfect base to explore its aqua park and activity centre.
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The Times revealed these domes to be one of the best ‘family-friendly’ AirbnbsCredit: Courtesy of the Airbnb CommunityThe pods can sleep up to six with cosy rooms and some even have outdoor hot tubsCredit: Courtesy of the Airbnb Community
The Times named these domes as one of the ’15 of the best family-friendly Airbnbs in the UK’.
The publication said: “The domes are great for the fun factor, as they feel like camping but come with proper showers, beds and kitchenettes.
“There are five domes in their own meadow, so you could book out more depending on the size of your party.
“Some have outdoor hot tubs, and all come with a barbecue and firepit. Although the Cow restaurant comes in handy when you don’t fancy doing the cooking.”
IF YOU are wondering where to go for your next beach break, well the world’s best 50 beaches have just been announced.
The best beaches were decided on by over 1,000 travel experts, including some who have visited every country in the world.
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Entalula Beach in the Philippines has been named the best beach in the worldCredit: GettyKynance Cove in Cornwall sadly missed out on the World’s Best Beaches, but was in the 50 Best Beaches in EuropeCredit: Getty
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
As for the beach taking the top spot, that went to Entalula Beach in the Philippines.
Found in Palawan, the awards say it is “one of those places you have to see to believe” – but to get there you will have to hop on a boat.
Year-round the beach hits a low of 26C, so is a great option for winter sun.
In second place – and the top beach in Europe – is Fteri Beach on Kefalonia in Greece, that is “tucked away in a secluded cove, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs” – again which you can only get to by boat (or very steep hike).
If you fancy heading around the globe to Australia, then the third best beach is Wharton Beach.
Sat on the south-western coast about an hour from the city of Esperance or eight hours from Perth, Wharton Beach’s “isolation ensures it rarely feels crowded, even on perfect summer days, providing a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude”.
In fourth place was Nosy Iranja in Madagascar – which is actually spread across two smaller islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – via a sandbar that you can walk across at low tide.
Nosy Iranja in Madagascar, which is spread across two islands, is the fourth best beach in the worldCredit: GettyAnd rounding out the top five is East Beach, Vomo Island in Fiji with towering palm trees and calm waterCredit: Getty
And rounding out the top five is East Beach, Vomo Island in Fiji with towering palm trees and calm water.
Unfortunately the UK didn’t have much luck making it into the top 50 beaches in the world, though it did make a couple appearances on the European list.
Coming in 26th place, Kynance Cove in Cornwall is a tidal beach with white sand, backed by impressive rock formations.
At low tide, visitors can explore a number of caves as well that have “formed into otherworldly shapes” according to Cornwall Beaches.
As for the second UK spot in the top 50 beaches in Europe – that can be found in Scotland.
Coming in 47th place, Achmelvich Beach in Scotland is just over two hours from the city of Inverness.
Fteri Beach in Greece is the best in Europe and second best in the worldCredit: GettyA spot in Menorca took second place on the Europe listCredit: Getty
The beach can only be reached by a small track but it’s worth the trip – you might get to spot porpoises, dolphins or even a minke whale.
When it comes to the best beaches in Europe, Fteri Beach in Greece which came second in the world rankings, came out on top.
Then in second place is Cala Macarella, Spain on the island of Menorca. followed by Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia.
In fourth is Kaputas in southwestern Turkey – a natural cove nestled between two towns, along with Porto Katsiki on the southwest coast of Lefkada in Greece in 5th place.
It’s a massive week on Coronation Street next week according to spoilers, as the fallout to murder week could give away the killer with missed evidence, with the victim teased too
It’s a massive week on Coronation Street next week according to spoilers(Image: ITV)
While Coronation Street fans will have to wait for the end of this week to find out who dies, new spoilers drop major hints.
Not only do they possibly give away which of the potential victims live or die, but it’s confirmed some huge evidence possibly exposes the killer. We see Betsy Swain in turmoil after finding the body, as detectives begin their investigation.
As soon as it’s revealed it is murder, suspects are lined up and evidence is gathered. But as some characters cover their tracks and get rid of some possible evidence, others could be about to slip up.
Spoilers confirm that next week, Kit begins to investigate the body found on the street, sparking interrogations with a number of residents. As characters struggle to process what happened, it’s soon confirmed to be murder.
Todd is struggling to move past Theo’s abuse, while Debbie is waiting for news on Carl, and there’s some shocking truths revealed to the Driscolls about Megan and Maggie. Shona wants answers as the Platts’ home remains a scene of trauma and the search for answers begins.
When forensic results come back, Kit gives an update that the blood at the scene belongs to more than one person. Shona is left haunted, while David confesses how Jodie tricked him into bed.
Later, David hands some evidence into the station but Kit’s questioning leaves him worried that they think he had something to do with what happened to Jodie – while soon there’s some news. Elsewhere, Carla and Lisa do their best to comfort a traumatised Betsy, postponing their honeymoon.
Lisa begins a formal round of questioning. Inconsistencies in someone’s story start to emerge, leading to a public arrest. When some new evidence leaves Lisa and Kit convinced they are one step away from a breakthrough, we learn more than one resident has a dark secret to hide as some incriminating footage is revealed.
Back to the investigation and as the week draws to a close, a couple are struggling, while a suspicious partner demands the truth behind a sudden change in behaviour. Kit and Lisa continue their interrogations, and some deleted evidence threatens to expose the truth.
Soon, a seemingly innocent photograph reveals a hidden presence at the scene of the crime that could change everything. Away from the murder drama, Hope taunts Daniel over Megan, leading to Hope accusing her teacher Daniel of assault.
It’s clear Daniel is struggling as he hits the bottle. Melanie wants son Will to live with her, but tensions lead to Will storming out. Meanwhile, someone attempts to steal something from the pub safe, only to be caught by Susie.
Danielle approaches and asks to talk to Todd about Theo, where she finally shares her own suffering. It’s another big week on the cobbles!
The future of I’m A Celebrity All Stars has been revealed by a TV insider, following the chaotic live final that delighted viewers last week.
I’m A Celebrity South Africa raked in millions of viewers(Image: Jonathan Hordle/ITV/Shutterstock)
I’m A Celeb All Stars will reportedly not return to our screens until 2029, despite the final being a huge success with massive viewing figures.
The South Africa-based show was pre-filmed in 2025, with the explosive final taking place live in London last Friday night. The final episode saw Adam Thomas win the show while arguing with Jimmy Bullard and David Haye.
The mayhem initially broke out when David interrupted Adam’s interview before the winner was announced. It rumbled on further when Jimmy Bullard interrupted to have his say over what he called “intimidating” actions by Adam in camp.
It has been reported that around 2.8million people tuned in for the explosive finale, but despite the huge interest, show makers won’t be bringing back the all-stars version for a few years.
“The aim was never for it to be made or be on air in 2027, even though there may be an appetite for that right now. The aim was to deliver something as a special show that was on from time to time, not an annual revisit like the main I’m A Celebrity show,” an insider told The Sun.
This was the second all-stars version of the series, with the first season airing in May 2023 after being recorded in the autumn of 2022.
The series 6 runner-up, Myleene Klass, was crowned winner of the series after beating series 16 campmate Jordan Banjo in the final survival trial. It was three years between the first and second seasons of the show, so fans might be waiting a little while for the next season if ITV continues to follow suit.
Voting figures for the show were revealed earlier today, showing that Adam won by a landslide. The Emmerdale actor came first in the vote for the final four, with 51 per cent. He was followed by Sir Mo Farah, who won 32 per cent, while Harry Redknapp and Craig Charles each got 9 per cent.
I’m A Celebrity is expected to return later this year with the usual format. Adam’s win came off the back of a series of dramatic moments for the actor on the show. Things first took a dramatic turn when David Haye was accused of bullying Adam after he ruled himself out of a trial. He called the actor weak and later doubled down, claiming that the Waterloo Road star was using his arthritis to get out of doing Bushtucker Trials and challenges.
Adam was also at the centre of a row with Jimmy Bullard. He was left angry when Jimmy quit the show mid-trial, which could have tanked Adam’s time on I’m A Celeb, as they were doing the trial in pairs.
Adam swore at Jimmy. Though he later apologised, Jimmy was insistent that Adam was “aggressive” and “intimidating”, and blasted ITV for not showing the full clip. ITV have said what they showed was a “fair and accurate” representation of what happened.
A UK zoo, spanning across 130 acres and home to around 30,000 animals, has been named as the best in the UK – and visitors can even spend the night at their safari style hotel
15:05, 27 Apr 2026Updated 16:06, 27 Apr 2026
The sprawling zoo spans across 130 acres in Upton-by-Chester(Image: Chester Zoo)
The UK’s best zoo has been named – and it’s in perfect timing ahead of the summer holidays.
Zoos have long been a beloved family day out, offering visitors the chance to admire a wide range of animals up close or to take part in unique experiences. Today, there are thought to be more than 300 licensed zoos, safari parks, and aquariums in the UK, many of which focus on animal care, education, research, and the protection of endangered species.
But there’s one zoo that has garnered particular attention. Spanning a whopping 130 acres and home to around 30,000 animals and more than 500 threatened species, it’s notably one of the biggest zoological parks in the UK.
Chester Zoo has been officially crowned the best zoo in the UK by Tripadvisor, thanks to its consistently positive reviews from millions of visitors. The travel guidance platform found that the conservation zoo, in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, had a whopping 11,666 ‘excellent’ review ratings, and was also featured in Europe’s top 10 zoos and aquariums for 2026.
Not only does it provide a fantastic day out, but it’s also a nationally renowned conservation and education charity that is dedicated to preventing animal extinction. Some of its protected animals include the Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Jaguars, Greater one-horned rhino, Sun bear, warthog, and Okapi, to name a few.
When visitors can tear themselves away from these incredible animals, there are gardens to explore, play areas, various eateries, including an on-site pub and restaurant, along with a virtual reality experience. It welcomes millions of visitors each year, and many praise Chester Zoo for its conservation efforts.
One fan wrote on TripAdvisor earlier this month: “Have been visiting this zoo since 1961 with the yearly school trips, to taking my children and now my grandchildren – I have visited many different zoos in many different countries and places, and still Chester Zoo beats them all hands down. The new African area and the lodges are amazing. The staff are all so friendly and knowledgeable – well worth a visit.”
Another shared: “Such an amazing day, was great to see the new Red Panda and due to the great weather all of the other animals were out. Lunch at the pub was amazing as it always is.”
“Forever my favourite zoo, as someone who’s visited many across the world! The emphasis on conservation is amazing and so important, staff are also lovely and very happy to chat and educate about the animals,” a third noted.
Its status as the best in the UK follows the opening of the largest UK zoo habitat, Heart of Africa, last year. The incredible expansion spans 2.5 acres, which accounts for more than 17 football pitches, and is home to 57 renowned African species.
Last summer, Chester Zoo also revealed its new hotel, The Reserve, which boasts 51 luxury African-themed lodges, offering a UK safari getaway. Every visit to Chester Zoo, whether it’s for a day or an overnight stay, helps to fund the zoo’s charitable conservation work.
Following its accolade, Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, said: “We’re over the moon to be named the UK’s top zoo by Tripadvisor. This recognition is built entirely on genuine reviews from our visitors – and that means the world to us. I’m very proud of everyone who makes our national conservation zoo such a special place.
“Every visit to Chester Zoo directly supports our vital conservation work, both here at home and around the world, and the past year alone is a reminder of just how much that work matters. We’ve developed the world’s first vaccine for a deadly virus that threatens Asian elephants globally, we’ve officially pulled a tiny species of snail back from the brink of extinction, and right here on our doorstep, we’ve been planting thousands of new trees to create important new woodland habitat. None of that happens without the people who come through our gates – and we’re enormously grateful to every one of them.”
For more information or to book tickets to Chester Zoo, visit their website.
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The RAC has named the best cars on the market for a road trip in the UK, with an unexpected vehicle coming out on top thanks to its fuel efficiency and fun driving experience
The RAC has announced the best road trip car (stock)(Image: Andrew Merry via Getty Images)
Despite soaring fuel costs, motorists across the UK will still be eager to hit the open road this summer and enjoy a good old-fashioned road trip.
Whether it’s a group of mates touring Cornwall, tackling Scotland‘s legendary North Coast 500, or conquering the Welsh hills, there’s no shortage of thrilling routes to choose from.
With this in mind, the RAC has compiled a list of the finest road trip cars currently on sale in the UK. However, the top pick may well raise a few eyebrows – and so might the runner-up.
Taking the top spot is the £17,095 Kia Picanto city car which, while not an obvious choice, the RAC’s Lawrence Allan explained how its compact performance made it more exhilarating to drive than many far pricier and more powerful alternatives on the market.
He explained: “Road trips are rarely dull when you’re pushing a car to its limits, and you can do that in the little Kia and still be under the speed limit. You’ll sip fuel, too – a bonus with unpredictable fuel prices.
“What’s more, the Picanto is good fun to drive on the kind of tight, twisty roads that are found in most of our top 10 best road trips in the UK. Then, when you head into a nearby town for dinner, parking is a doddle.”
Pipped to second place behind the Kia Picanto was the electric variant of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which Lawrence described as the ultimate electric vehicle for hitting the road.
Lawrence cited the primary reason for this as the distance the £45,615 car could cover on a single charge, boasting a range of up to 484 miles — sufficient to travel from London all the way to Dundee in Scotland.
He further noted that the vehicle impressed with its efficiency and rapid charging capability, making pit stops noticeably less lengthy than those required by other electric cars over the past decade.
Taking third place was the £34,875 Nissan Qashqai e-Power. Lawrence attributed its bronze position partly to its efficiency, which allows drivers to achieve over 770 miles from a tank of fuel, as well as its outstanding practicality.
While the Kia and Mercedes offer 255 and 407 litres of boot space respectively, the Nissan boasts a generous 504 litres. The Nissan also edges ahead of the Kia on fuel economy, with the Kia capable of 51.4mpg compared to the Nissan’s 64.2mpg — a crucial factor during a period of rising fuel costs.
On the subject of fuel, some experts have cautioned against filling up between 10am and 2pm, amongst them Interfuels’ Gordon Walllis.
He explained to the Express: “By late morning, many retailers have already adjusted their prices to reflect overnight changes in wholesale costs. That means drivers filling up around midday are often paying a premium.
“Late morning and early afternoon tend to be busy periods, with people stopping during errands, commutes or lunch breaks. When demand is steady, there is less pressure on retailers to keep prices low.”