SUGABABES singer Keisha Buchanan has revealed that she was KIDNAPPED from school – shortly before achieving her first hit with the band.
The 41-year-old singer first joined the group at the tender age of 13 and they signed their first record contract in 1998.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Sugababes singer Keisha has revealed she was kidnapped at 16 years oldCredit: Livelaughlukepod/YouTubeThe star was preparing to make her Sugababes debut as well as sit her GCSEs at the time of the incidentCredit: Getty
But the singer has now revealed how she was kidnapped in 2000 – shortly before the band’s debut single Overload hit the UK top 10.
Keisha revealed that she was taken by a man from school for several hours before she was returned home.
The scary incident caused her parents to decide it was no longer safe for the star to go to school, resulting in her missing her GCSEs.
Keisha, who won The Masked Singer earlier this year, made the confession on the Live, Laugh, Luke podcast.
The star revealed that she was kept captive for a number of hoursCredit: GettyThe singer has been performing with the band for 28 yearsCredit: Getty
The Push The Button hitmaker said: “I had like this incident right before my GCSEs where I was kidnapped.
“So, because it was quite a traumatic experience, my parents were, like, ‘yeah, so we’re going to do a different type of education.’
“So I kind of finished like my education, but I just couldn’t do my GCSEs.”
Keisha had been preparing to debut with the Sugababes at the time and had already left school to focus on music but had briefly returned in order to sit her GCSEs just before they released their first single at the time of the incident.
In the interview, she revealed that she wasn’t able to share more details of the scary incident as she planned to tell the full story in her impending autobiography.
Keisha did add: “I was basically taken after school by someone.
“I think I just sort of blocked it and then had to just get back into, you know, promotion of our first single.”
Keisha revealed how she was held captive for a number of hours – an experience that left her seeking therapy from the age of 16.
Elsewhere, she confessed that only Siobhan ultimately ended up being accepted back into school for the exams after all three originally left in order to record their debut album, One Touch, over the course of two years.
Despite at first claiming her parents pulled her out of school as a result of the terrifying kidnapping incident, Keisha then appeared to suggest the school had refused to re-enroll her for examinations anyway.
She said: “We ended up leaving school. Siobhan went back to school to take her GCSEs and they accepted her back.
“When Mutya and I tried to get back, they were so rude.
“They were like, ‘Oh no, no, no, you’re not coming back. Like you guys thought you were going to be these pop stars. Let’s see what’s going to happen.’
“So they wouldn’t accept us back.”
Keisha further stated that she discussed the kidnapping ordeal in very early promotional interviews for their debut single but has since kept it out of public view and intends to tell the lengthy story in her own memoir.
TWILIGHT star Taylor Lautner has revealed the gender of his unborn baby in a sweet video with his wife Taylor.
The couple, who are expecting their first child together, took to Instagram to share the exciting news with their fans.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Taylor Lautner and his wife have revealed the gender of their unborn childCredit: instagram/@taylautnerThe pair found out they’re having a girlCredit: instagram/@taylautner
In the video, the pair are seen covering their eyes while finding out the gender on a laptop in front of them.
They scream in excitement as the word ‘Girl’ flashes on screen in pink.
She begins crying as he puts his arms around her to console her.
He looks at her and says: “We did it,” as they both wipe away tears from their faces.
They captioned it: “Our little secret is now yours,” with pink and blue heart emojis.
Their fans flocked to the comments section to share their well-wishes for the soon-to-be-parents.
One person gushed: “I will forever be watching this on repeat. It’s a girl! I guessed right! I’m so excited for you guys!”
Another social media user commented: “I love how intimate this moment was for you both.”
Somebody else enthused: “Congratulations to a beautiful couple that will be the best parents in the world.”
Yet another wrote: “It’s so nice and wholesome to see a man so excited to have a girl!
The couple announced they were expecting in MarchCredit: Instagram/taydomeHe’s best known for starring in the Twilight movie seriesCredit: Handout
“Congratulations guys, this beautiful angel is lucky to have such wonderful humans as her parents.”
While a fifth added: “My kids are obsessed with Shark Boy and Lava Girl and watch it about five times a week and now shark boy is having a baby?! Congratulations!”
A POPULAR English seaside theme park has revealed plans to open its own hotel.
Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea, Essex – named the best seaside attraction in the south by the UK Theme Park Awards last year – wants to build the accommodation right by its entrance.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has revealed plans to build a hotelCredit: Alamy
The hotel would have seven rooms and be above the Sands By The Sea fish and chips restaurant.
Currently, the space above the fish and chips restaurant is an empty office that was previously used by Radio Essex.
Few other details have been revealed about the hotel, but SKArchitects – who are behind the project – shared that the accommodation is a “unique” waterfront spot, with a restaurant below and 24-hour staffing at the theme park.
Guests would also have access to the nearby Three Shells Beach and views of the Thames Estuary.
According to the Southend Echo, Matt Dent, Southend Labour councillor for business, culture, tourism and music, said: “I can certainly see the advantages of providing more tourism accommodation on the seafront, particularly having it basically inside the park.
“That is going to be a huge draw and major selling point to families looking to make the most of the abundant offerings at the seafront.”
Recent data from credit card company Aqua revealed the UK’s top 10 affordable theme parks and named Adventure Island in eighth place.
The park is free to enter, but to go on the rides you’ll need to buy a wristband, which is either £25 online or £28 on the gate.
The hotel would feature seven rooms and be right by the entranceCredit: Alamy
In total, there are 40 rides to explore, including seven rollercoasters such as Rage, which boasts several twists and turns.
If you were to break down the cost of a £25 wristband, each ride would be as little as 63p to go on.
The park also has a couple of waterslides, as well as rides for smaller kids such as a carousel, small land train and a soft play area.
Today, if you wanted to visit Adventure Island and stay close to the theme park, you’d have to book into one of the hotels or B&Bs along the seafront.
Nearby options include The Palace Hotel from £102 a night and just steps away from the entrance of the pier or The Hope Hotel, which sits at the end of Southend Beach and costs from £85 a night.
A number of other hotels around the UK have hotels near the entrance, including Alton Towers, which has the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel and the CBeebies Land Hotel, all within the entrance plaza.
The Sidemen’s Josh Bradley has revealed he’s set to become a dad for the first time as his wife is expecting baby boyCredit: InstagramThe streamer took to Instagram to share a series of sweet snaps and captioned them: “Mum and Dad for real this time”Credit: Instagram
In the snaps, Josh and his wife Freya Nightingale brimmed with happiness as they shared their joyous news with their followers.
After smashing a pink and blue gender reveal cake, the delighted couple shared they were having a baby boy.
The happy pair also posted a sweet image of their baby scan to their family and fans.
Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “Announcement & gender reveal in one. YUPPPPP love you both so muuuuchhhh. Coolest parents.”
The loved up couple also shared an image of their baby’s scanCredit: InstagramThe excited parents shared their gender reveal with their family and fansCredit: InstagramJosh and his wife were overjoyed with the news that they were having a baby boyCredit: InstagramIn bombshell news the Britain’s Got Talent judge revealed he had recorded his last video with his matesCredit: The Sidemen/Instagram
Another said: “Yes!!! Congrats!!!”
A third added: “Amazing news.”
A fourth wrote: “Oh my god!!! Huge congratulations to you both. This is the most amazing news.”
While a fifth said: “KSI left and now Josh and Freya are having a baby, the good news can’t stop coming.”
The Sidemen put up a long post on their social media which seemed to criticise the way in which KSI did it.
They wrote: “Ideally, we would have loved the opportunity to give JJ the send off he deserved, a proper farewell video, time for everyone to process it, and a chance to celebrate everything we’ve built together.
“Unfortunately JJ released the news before we had agreed on a mutual way of letting our audience know.”
In the video KSI posted he said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.
A BRITISH seaside town has unveiled plans for a £1.8million makeover.
The picturesque coastal area is set to introduce a car-free promenade along with new shops, outdoor seating and beach-side gardens.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Felixstowe is a popular seaside spot in SuffolkCredit: kk_ttProposals for a £1.8million makeover have been put forwardCredit: Jonathan Wilson
Felixstowe boasts sandy shores and sweet coloured beach huts along with an Edwardian pier that’s 2,640 ft long.
The Suffolk port town attracts thousands of tourists every summer, providing a quintessential British seaside experience.
And now the are has unveiled plans to give the beachy location a £1.8million revamp.
The South Seafront Project aims to “create a beautiful, welcoming environment which supports the visitor economy as well as benefitting both residents and businesses”.
The plans outlined by East Suffolk Council add that the makeover will focus on ensuring the “seafront continues to be a viable tourism destination” as well as making Felixstowe an “attractive place to live, work and visit all year round”.
The council also hope to “address the higher levels of deprivation in the South Seafront area” with the refurbishments.
The budget will be used to improve lighting and signage along the seafront plus boosting the town’s transport options and providing better access to the front.
Cars could be banned from the road along the promenade in order to create opportunities for independent stores, food outlets, outdoor seating and garden spaces.
While the finer details of the proposals are still being developed, it is hoped that councillors will give backing to the plans.
If the work is able to go ahead, it’s predicted that it will be able to begin by next spring.
PAULTONS Park has announced it will open its very first watercoaster next year.
The new attraction will be an addition to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings and it will be one of the biggest rides ever built in the theme park.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The new watercoaster will open in Paultons Park next springCredit: Paultons ParkIt will be called Serpent’s Curse and have top speeds of 44mphCredit: Paultons Park
Called Serpent’s Curse, the watercoaster will be 471-metres long, with top speeds of 44mph and will open next spring.
For ride enthusiasts the details say that it will have ‘a lift hill, fast-flowing twists and curves, and a dramatic plunge into a final splashdown.’
Talking about the new ride, Paultons has said it will be one of the ‘biggest rides ever built’ at the park.
This isn’t the only new addition, as another second water ride will open at Valgard too – although it already exists at the park.
Seal Falls, the junior minilog flume water ride will be re-themed and relocated to new land.
The ride will be renamed ‘Little Serpents’.
James Mancey, deputy managing director at the park, said: “We always have a surprise or two up our sleeve, and Serpent’s Curse is potentially our most exciting reveal yet.
“We’re working with the world-renowned MACK rides to bring their fantastic water coaster to the UK.
“The speed and exhilaration of the coaster with such a dramatic finish into the water makes for something really special that works brilliantly within the Viking theme.”
Sun Travel worked out that while the entry cost is steep, children under one-metre-tall go free.
And the cost per rollercoaster, if you ride them all, works out to £4.68.
In May 2026, Paultons Park opened its new world, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, which cost £12million to build and has its very first inverting rollercoaster.
The ride called Drakon, has been called the ‘crown jewel of Valgard’.
The new land also has a swing ride and Middle Ages themed ‘feast’ dining.
Katie Price has revealed details of her last phone call with husband Lee AndrewsCredit: Katie Price / BackgridLee is said to be in Al Awir prison over a civil matterCredit: Instagram
But after she spoke to him, it emerged he “needs a six-figure sum” instead.
And now Katie has shared her fears for Lee, saying she was worried he would not be released anytime soon.
Revealing details of her last phone conversation with Lee, Katie said: “I’m absolutely knackered, it’s the second morning because I spoke to Lee yesterday and he wants me to go to the Al Awir prison because he’s given me permission to get all his phones, his belongings.
Katie said Lee’s given her permission to ‘get all of his phones and belongings’Credit: wesleeandrews/InstagramKatie said she was exhausted as she continues to fight to get Lee out of jailCredit: Instagram/@wesleeeandrews
“So I’m going there now.
“I still need to hear back from his lawyer if I can get a visit to see him.
“It’s Wednesday and I go on Friday… time is running out.”
Katie admitted she was now able to reach her husband because she had a Dubai number for him in prison.
“I’m feeling knackered today, I’m excited, but excited for what? Because I don’t know if I’m seeing Lee but at least I now know he can ring me, I’ve got the Dubai number so at least I know he can ring me,” she added.
“So let’s go to the prison again.”
The previous day, Katie posted a clip while at a hair salon in Dubai as she told fans she was “all glam, just to go to bed and chill”.
She said: “The time is half five, I’m going to go back to the hotel, get in bed and watch telly all night until tomorrow morning.
“That’s so bad, coming to Dubai and I’m going to bed at half six in the evening, that’s shocking.
“I could go and party, have a drink, but I’m happy to go back to the hotel for a cup of tea in bed.”
A MAJOR UK airport has released a first look at its highly anticipated new Wetherspoons.
Opening in September, the pub will be a budget option for travellers looking for a pre-flight drink.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Manchester Airport Terminal 2 is set to get its first ever WetherspoonsCredit: AlamyThe new pub is named the Belle Vue, inspired by a historic entertainment venueCredit: Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is getting its first ever Wetherspoons this September with a design inspired by sporting culture in the North West.
The 3,000 sq ft pub will have more than 300 covers, becoming the final major food and drink venue to open as part of the refurbishment of Terminal 2.
John Hutson, JD Wetherspoon chief executive, said: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport.
“We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”
Terminal 2 has doubled in size since the refurbishment began a decade ago, costing the airport over £1.3billion.
Manchester Airport’s newest pre-flight pub is called the Belle Vue, commemorating the city’s historic entertainment venue that had a pub, greyhound racing and a speedway track.
Shutting in 2020, the Belle Vue offered a step back in time to explore the Manchester’s culture in the Victorian era.
Now, the sporting elements of the Belle Vue will be transformed into the pub’s new decor, with artistic impressions hinting at a clubhouse-style design.
The pub’s interior has a clubhouse-style design with sports memorabilia decorationsCredit: Manchester AirportSpanning 3,000 sq ft, the pub has plenty of room for holidaymakers to enjoy pre-flight pintsCredit: Manchester Airport
Inside, the walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia from the North West, and checkered flag floors.
The Belle Vue joins a host in new hospitality venues arriving at Manchester Airport, including a Fever Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market street food hall.
Wetherspoons currently operates 10 pubs across airports, including three in Gatwick and two in Heathrow.
Manchester’s Belle Vue joins the over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, and the over 30 locations in Greater Manchester.
Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester.
“This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”
STONEHENGE is considered one of the most well-known historical sites in the UK – and it’s getting a new addition.
Next to the stone circle – which was nearly named one of the seven Wonders – will be a replica Kusuma Neolithic Hall that will open in the next few months to visitors.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A Kusuma Neolithic Hall is being built next to StonehengeCredit: PAStonehenge is considered one of the most well-known historical sites in the countryCredit: Alamy
The Kusuma Neolithic Hall has been under construction for the last nine months.
It’s based on an ‘archaeological footprint’ that was found just two miles away – it was first excavated in 1928.
The original remains are thought to date back 4,500 years and are being reconstructed as part of a £1million project.
It’s in its final stages and has been built by volunteers who are using authentic tools of the time, like axes, along with materials like thatch and timber.
HE is the nineties pop star who finally found his happily ever after.
But for Phats & Small singer Ben Ofoedu, the road to marital bliss was paved with a painful history of what he now describes as mental abuse and emasculation by former partner Vanessa Feltz. Something which friends of the Channel 5 presenter vehemently deny.
Ben Ofoedu says he is finally ready to tell his side of the story after years of headlines surrounding his bitter split from Vanessa FeltzCredit: RexBen and Vanessa were together for 17 years before their dramatic break-up played out publiclyCredit: Getty
He is happier, healthier, and four stone lighter. But behind his beaming smile and the tales of his idyllic new life, there lies a darker, turbulent history that he is only just now ready to reveal to the world.
In a searingly honest new interview with The Sun, Ben has opened up about the toxic reality of his 17-year relationship with television and radio veteran Vanessa Feltz, making explosive allegations about the profound psychological toll of their high-profile romance.
While the collapse of his engagement to the Channel 5 presenter in 2023 was highly publicised following his admitted infidelity, Ben claims the public has only ever heard half the story. Now, after intense therapy and finding true love, he is shedding light on what really went on behind closed doors.
Ben and Vanessa Brown tied the knot in a lavish £100K ceremony last yearCredit: Alexandria French PhotographyThe star says marrying the aesthetics entrepreneur has transformed his lifeCredit: Instagram
Through his recent charitable endeavours with his new bride, the singer has found himself reflecting heavily on his own past.
“We do a lot of charity stuff for victims of abuse, and you come across a lot of men in these situations,” Ben explains.
“Men who’ve been mentally abused, not so much physically. People think abuse means physical, but you can be abused mentally.
“Everything from emasculation to being told you’re not good enough. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
When asked if this observation stems from his own personal experience with his famous ex-fiancée, Ben doesn’t flinch.
“Yeah, oh yeah, without a doubt,” he states firmly. “Emasculation, people referring to you as not being able to read, down-talking you, a constant barrage of insults. People don’t have to look too far to see where it came from.”
The trauma, he reveals, is deep-seated, creeping up on him over the course of almost two decades.
He recalls: “When I was out of it. When you’re in it, it’s so subtle, so gradual that you don’t quite see it happening, you don’t quite know. You question everything and ask, ‘Why did that happen? Why did I feel like that?’ When someone professional starts going through it with you, you can see the patterns and stuff like that. Yeah, I had therapy after that.”
Today, Ben refuses to even utter his ex’s name, a stark indicator of the deep freeze between the former couple.
“There is only one Vanessa,” he declares, referring lovingly to his new bride. “I don’t know that other lady. And I definitely don’t know her from the comments she’s said. I don’t know that lady anymore.”
He confirms that he has no contact with the 64-year-old broadcaster, nor does he have any desire to ever cross paths with her again.
He insists: “No, not at all, and I really wouldn’t want to. I’ve got nothing to do with her, I want nothing to do with her. People are in your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime, and she was there for a season. It was a long season, but it was maybe a bit too long.”
The fallout from the split undeniably damaged his public reputation, painting him squarely as the villain of the piece.
But Ben is deeply critical of how his former flame handled the break-up.
“The truth is, I’m kind of a musician, and that’s kind of what it is, it’s only tied to her until something else happens and there’s a new story being written, it’s the past really, that’s what that is.
“I’ve not really much to say for her. I think she was completely classless the way she dealt with things, it’s not my sort of person, I don’t know her anymore, I don’t recognise her.”
Addressing the fallout and the damage to his reputation, Ben remains philosophical.
Ben and Vanessa split in 2023 following his admitted infidelityCredit: Getty – ContributorTV star Vanessa previously spoke openly about the heartbreak of the split — but now Ben insists there was ‘another side’ to the storyCredit: Getty
“Yes, completely. The great thing that happened was I got to know who my friends were,” he admits.
“I understand the general public doesn’t know me personally, but my wedding was a great testimony of the people who know me and the friends that I had, the people who really knew me. You reap what you sow; that’s all I can say. You reap what you sow. It doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on.”
When pressed on the cheating scandal that ultimately torpedoed the relationship, Ben is defensive, taking a swipe at how his ex monetised the pain.
“Now about the infidelity, I never said that it was the way to do things,” he explains.
“For Vanessa, that was her story, and she used it and monetised it, and when it’s not working for her, she moved on to something else. I wouldn’t monetise a real relationship that had real problems. I think to tell the media that it’s over before you tell the person is not… I don’t know many situations that do that.”
When asked if his new wife worries about his history of being unfaithful, Ben is quick to shut down the narrative that he is a serial cheat.
He told me: “I don’t know if doing it once is a history, I don’t know if that constitutes a history of it. She made me look worse than I was, and it garnered a lot more attention. I don’t know if once is a history, that’s what I will say about that. There’s never been any conversation about that at all.”
He also casts doubt on whether his previous 16-year engagement was ever destined for the altar at all, bluntly suggesting the intention to actually tie the knot was not there “from the other side”.
He also has a brutal theory as to why his ex has failed to find lasting romance since their bitter split.
“I mean, I don’t know if I would want to be with a lady who’d want to discuss every single detail of their private life,” he said.
“I think how men saw me come out of that situation, they think, ‘No thanks, not for me’.”
But Ben is finally ready to reclaim his narrative. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his own autobiography, playfully titled Turnaround: Memoirs of an Ageing Boy Bander, which he hopes will hit the shelves this December.
“I’ve been writing it. I was going to put it out last year, but there were a few parts I missed out when I read through; I need to give the full context. Everything’s in the book; it’s about turnaround moments in my life, good and bad. That period of my life.”
“But it’s nice for people to see the actual context and how we got together and what happened behind closed doors, you’ve only heard her side of the story,” he adds, taking a thinly veiled swipe at his ex’s memoirs.
“I didn’t respond to anything she said in her book, and obviously it didn’t do very well, that’s the thing. I’m not doing it for that. I talk about my musical journey, it brings me up to the current day, and what a happy relationship can be like.”
He confirms no lawyers have had to get involved with his manuscript: “No, I won’t mention her name. She cleverly didn’t mention mine, she called me OHW [One Hit Wonder], but people will know.”
Asked if the book will definitely hit shelves this year, he says: “Aiming for December, but I don’t know. It’s not quite finished, I need to type two more chapters, making sure everything is real and really happened, making sure. We’re hoping for December, that’s what we’re pushing towards.”
The contrast between his turbulent past and his blissful present truly couldn’t be starker. Ben is buzzing with energy as he discusses his 30-year-old wife, Vanessa Brown.
The couple, who married after a whirlwind romance, are utterly inseparable.
“I found myself again, I am buzzing,” he says. “Every day is happy, we got together, and within six months we were married, when you know you know.”
He has strong advice for others when it comes to love, formed by the fire of his past mistakes.
“These long drawn-out engagements, unless you’ve got a couple of kids and are waiting to afford the wedding, I think they’re pointless,” he says.
“You’re engaged to be married, not to be engaged. I don’t think that works, and that’s just from experience. If you meet someone, within six months, you pretty much know whether you’ll get married or not. Don’t carry on the relationship more than six months if you’re not sure you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.”
He also revealed that the couple are actively trying for a baby.
“Hopefully, by the end of the year, that’s what we’re trying to do. If Vanessa fell pregnant late this year, that would be amazing news; that’s why we’re travelling and doing all the things couples do before they have kids.
“We want as many as God provides. I come from a big family, and I know what it’s like to have brothers and sisters. I always loved that growing up.”
For Ben Ofoedu, the dark days of his past are now firmly in the rearview mirror.
He insists that with Vanessa 2.0 by his side, a tell-all book on the way, and exciting baby plans for the couple, his life is now complete.
Representatives for Vanessa Feltz were contacted for comment.
An airline pilot has shared advice for anyone who deals with anxiety on flights
A pilot shared advice for passengers in a popular video (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
Anxious travellers could enjoy calmer travel days by following three pilot-approved tips. An airline pilot has revealed several steps nervous passengers can take to calm their nerves before boarding.
The advice was shared by Simon Belmont, who describes himself as an airline pilot, Airbus A350 Captain and a fear-of-flying coach. With over 130,000 followers on TikTok, Simon regularly shares tips and tricks for passengers on social media as @Flyman_simon. In a recent video, the pilot shared his top recommendations for holidaymakers feeling anxious about upcoming trips.
He wrote: “Holiday travel can feel extra intense when you are already a nervous flyer. Crowded airports, delays, noise and rushing around can make anxiety feel even bigger.” Fortunately, the pilot identified three steps passengers can take to help alleviate their stress.
In the post, Simon urged passengers to give themselves plenty of time on travel days, be polite to staff, and ensure they’ve packed properly. As he explained, making sure you “keep fed, watered, and entertained” is key to a good flight. “A calmer flight often starts before you even board. Small changes really do help,” the expert pointed out.
In his video, Simon told viewers: “I’ll give you three top tips to try and make it de-stressed. If you’re a fearful flyer, de-stressing that journey really does lower your levels, and it stops you peaking, maybe overthinking, and doing all that doom thinking that gets you worried about flying.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Simon said: “Number one, give yourself plenty of time. That is one of the biggest things. If you’re up against the clock, wondering whether that gate’s going to close and you’re going to make the flight, it’s stress from the second you leave your home or the hotel, sat in traffic. So give yourself that extra bit of time.”
He continued: “When you get to the airport, be really courteous, really nice and friendly. Remember all of those staff, all the security staff, and everyone else, they’re not trying to hold you up. They’re trying to do their job. They’re not going to cut corners on safety, and they are going to try to get you through as soon as possible.”
The pilot also advised people to pack entertainment. He explained: “Keep entertained and keep fed and watered. So keep things to keep you busy when you are sat around waiting.”
“Make sure that you have got some snacks, you’ve got some things to eat to keep that blood sugar level up, and that will again de-stress you, put you in a much happier mood, and give you a much better chance,” Simon explained.
He continued: “Keep hydrated because at the other end you want to be able to enjoy the holiday, the business trip, seeing family and friends. Dehydrated, you’re going to feel groggy and crappy.
“So yeah, give yourself plenty of time. Be courteous, remember the people are working hard, and keep yourself fed, watered, and entertained. So download those videos, take little games, card games, whatever you can.”
ACTRESS Mariah Ann Martin has been left devastated by discovering her husband has had an affair – resulting in a secret baby.
The Perception actress has claimed her ‘love of her life’ husband has fathered a child outside of their 13-year marriage – just months after welcoming their fourth child.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Heartbroken actress Mariah Ann Martin has revealed her husband has fathered a child outside of their marriageCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmaeThe crying Disney+ star has shared her heartache with followersCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmae
The Son of Phantom star took to social media to share her profound heartbreak – documenting her grief just an hour after the shock discovery.
According to the stunned 32-year-old, her husband Jon has recently welcomed a newborn with another woman.
The heart-breaking revelation marks a bitter conclusion for the couple who have been together over a decade.
She wrote alongside the emotive footage: “I’m usually insanely private… But I’m good at hiding my shame… my pain…
“But I think it’s time I do something different.. I’m so embarrassed. I’m so heartbroken that I could crawl into a cave and decompose… but I won’t… I can’t…”
She added: “To my friends. Buy a plane ticket and come help me pack my house.”
Mariah and her estranged husband share four childrenCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmaeShe opened up about the harrowing discovery on social mediaCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmae
A video on Instagram shows the earth-shattering aftermath as she found out about the deception.
She tearfully said: “It’s been an hour since I found out the love of my life, my college sweetheart, the father of my four children, my husband, has a baby that’s one week old. And I’m devastated.”
The star continued: “And I tend to keep these things to myself because of shame and embarrassment — but it really caught me off guard.
“And I’m so hurt. But, I’m okay. And, I’m wondering what God’s hand in this is. I’ve always believed it was something divine, but sometimes, maybe your grace runs out – for him.
The star posted a candid video just an hour after finding out the life-changing newsCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmaeMariah and her husband Jon had been together for 13 yearsCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmae
“He’s never cheated on me before and when he does, he gets a baby out of it. And that’s just something I won’t be able to do…. I feel like this is a bottom I never deserved.”
Reams of followers rushed to her rescue and shared their sorrow for her.
Paloma Faith sympathised: “I feel sorry for your husband because he will probably realise too late that he squandered the greatest woman he ever or will ever meet and hopefully you will live a better life than ever before.”
Nadia Sawalha penned: “I can see you have a huge heart, a deep soul, an unshakeable moral code, the strength of a lioness, a strong faith, exquisite beauty and the ability to be vulnerable. A 360 degree woman for whom anything is possible.”
Former Towie star Georgia Kousoulou added: “Sending you so much love. Bigger things are coming for you.”
In a follow-up video, she explained: “The calls and check-ins have stopped… the house is quiet… and I’m left with silence.
“And piercing through this silence is a clear and loud sense of peace. The peace that surpasses all understanding.
“I almost wish I wanted to drink, party, plot revenge, cuss folks out, binge eat, find comfort in the arms of another man or any of the self defeating things people do in times like this… but I don’t.
She called him the love of her life and her childhood sweetheartCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmaeThe news has rocked the star’s world and she has been left crushedCredit: Instagram/ @ariahmae
“There is no void to fill. I’m sad but God’s presence in this season is so loud that all my flesh wants to do is rest.”
Updating fans further about her social media break, the teary star shared her next moves and revealed: “Okay, this is the last video I’m gonna post together an entire break for my entire phone, because that video is at like 800,000. I’ve gained 10,000 followers overnight.
“I really do appreciate all the support, and all the prayers, and all the voice notes, and everything. I do feel insanely grateful for that.
“The reason why it’s getting that much attention has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with that universal feeling of betrayal.
“I was in a relationship for 13 years. I was proud. I was proud that I loved him, he loved me… up until he told me, he was my best friend.
“I felt like I knew him. As deep as you can know a person and finding out, but that’s not the case.”
She stated positively: “I’m gonna work it out. I’m the working it out queen.”
Fans commented: “I just want to give you the biggest hug…”
“Keep watching this video and you’re making me wanna cry,” admitted a second.
“My God mama. My heart hurts for you, it could just as easily be anyone. You did nothing wrong!!!” encouraged a third.
IN one of Norfolk’s best seaside towns is a pier over 100 years old – and it could soon undergo a huge revamp.
On what will be the year of its 125th anniversary, the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer is being considered for an upgrade worth millions.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Per could undergo a revamp worth millionsCredit: AlamyThe theatre sits at the very end of the pier in the seaside townCredit: Alamy
The Pavilion Theatre sits on the end of Cromer Pier and hosts shows throughout the year from tribute acts to vintage festivals.
It also reportedly shows the “world’s only remaining full-season end-of-pier variety show”.
Now, the local North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is considering making improvements to the theatre at the predicted cost of £2.4million.
The Grade-II listed pier itself was built in 1901 as was the theatre which at the time was originally a bandstand.
It was converted into the enclosed pavilion it is today in 1905 with several repairs made throughout the years.
The most famous performances there have been by the likes of Paul Daniels, Ken Dodd and Cannon and Ball.
Possible upgrades to the theatre include installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrading lighting and sound, and refurbishing the theatre’s 440 seats.
As for the wider town, Cromer on the north coast of Norfolk is actually considered one of the best in the UK.
Last year when The Times totted up its ‘best seaside towns in the UK’ from Cornish harbours to a good old British resort, Cromer made the list.
Coming second, just below Aldeburgh in Suffolk, The Times said Cromer is the “real deal” a “traditional port town with a Victorian pier, pastel-tinted beach huts, a bucket-and-spade beach.”
Cromer is considered one of the best seaside towns in the UKCredit: Alamy
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, has given her verdict on the town.
She said: “Cromer mixes old-school seaside town tradition with trendy places to eat and shop, meaning this is a staycation spot that will please the whole family.
“The town’s real showstopper is Cromer Pier, which dates back all the way to 1391. The original jetties built over the years have been washed away by storms and rebuilt, but the pier you see today has jetted out over the water since the Victorian era.
“Perched at the end of the pier is the Pavilion Theatre, which puts on shows from Beatles tribute acts to Mamma Mia-themed parties.
“Plus it’s well worth a visit to catch the Cromer Pier Show with dazzling guests with high-production singing, dancing and comedy.
“Cromer is also home to a pristine, Blue Flag beach, which attracts sunbathers for its flat, golden sands, surfers for its waves and wild foragers for its fresh cockles and mussels.”
Cromer Pier stretches out to seaCredit: Alamy
Jenna continued: “And when it comes to seafood, you can’t miss out on trying some delicious Cromer Crab. You’ll find this famous Brown Crab cropping up on menus all the way along the North Norfolk coast, so what better place to try some than the town in which they were freshly caught?
“However the charm of this seaside town isn’t all found at the pier, it’s recently become a lot trendier, too. In the lanes behind the seafront, Cromer has recently seen a wave of new vintage shops, cool cafes and quirky art galleries arrive.
“Pop into Grey Seal Coffee for a smooth flat white in a beachy, boho setting, or have a nosey in Cromer Artspace to admire local artists’ landscapes.
“For a memorable bite to eat, Norfolk Crumble has captured the love of locals, whipping up tasty pots of crumble loaded with toppings like popcorn and banoffee, as well as ice-cold thickshake.”
The Tanner Scott redemption story took a dark, twisted turn Saturday night.
Not because the Dodgers reliever gave up three runs in the eighth inning to the Philadelphia Phillies, blowing a save opportunity and getting tagged with his first loss of the season. Getting knocked around happens.
But comments directed toward Scott’s wife on social media afterward were beyond alarming. Maddie Scott reposted vile comments from one user in particular that threatened not only her and her husband, but also their newborn son.
“When did it stop being a game?” Maddie Scott wrote on an Instagram story that has expired but was captured by the New York Post. “I don’t speak out often. Ever actually. I promise you, you don’t know what it’s like unless you’re living it.”
The answer to her rhetorical question is layered. Maybe baseball stopped being a game when her husband signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers before the 2025 season, elevating expectations.
Maybe the end came seven years ago when a Supreme Court ruling led to sports gambling becoming legal. Or maybe fun and games ceased some 20 years ago when Facebook, Twitter and Instagram launched and anonymous threats could be dispatched by anyone with an account.
Death threats directed toward athletes have become disturbingly frequent. Without giving oxygen to the threats by repeating them, Scott is hardly the first pitcher whose family has been targeted after a loss.
Scott took heat last year when he pitched poorly in his first season with the Dodgers. Expected to become the team’s closer, the left-hander had an MLB-high 10 blown saves and did not pitch in the postseason.
This year, however, Scott has bounced back admirably. Even after the loss Saturday, he has a sparkling 2.19 earned-run average and five saves.
In 1790, President George Washington signed a bill creating the first U.S. copyright law.
In 1859, construction concluded and bells rang out for the first time from London’s Big Ben clock tower.
In 1889, a flood in Johnstown, Pa., left more than 2,200 people dead.
In 1902, Britain and South Africa signed a peace treaty ending the Boer War.
In 1916, the Battle of Verdun passed the 100-day mark. It would continue for another 200 days, amassing a casualty list of an estimated 800,000 soldiers dead, injured or missing.
In 1921, the Tulsa race massacre was set off when a mob of White residents attacked the Black residents and businesses in the Greenwood District. The total number of those killed in the violence is unknown, with an Oklahoma commission established in 2001 estimating between 75 to 100 people dead. The number of displaced Black residents was far greater.
In 1940, a thick fog hanging over the English Channel prevented the German Luftwaffe from flying missions against evacuating Allied troops from Dunkirk.
Troops evacuated from Dunkirk on a destroyer about to berth at Dover, England, on May 31, 1940. File Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum
In 1985, seven federally insured banks in Arkansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oregon were closed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It was a single-day record for closings since the FDIC was founded in 1934.
In 1996, Israeli voters elected opposition Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister.
In 2003, Eric Robert Rudolph, the long-sought fugitive in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing and attacks on abortion clinics and a gay nightclub, was arrested while rummaging through a dumpster in North Carolina. Rudolph, whose bombings killed two people and injured many others, was sentenced to four life terms in prison.
In 2005, Mark Felt admitted that, while No. 2 man in the FBI, he was “Deep Throat,” the shadowy contact whose help to Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on the 1972 Watergate break-in led to U.S. President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
In 2014, U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, 28, captured in Afghanistan nearly five years earlier, was released by the Taliban in exchange for five detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. In March 2015, the Army announced that Bergdahl had been charged with desertion.
In 2019, a shooting a a Virginia Beach, Va., municipal center left 12 victims and the shooter — a disgruntled former employee — dead.
In 2021, China announced plans to allow couples to have a third child, scrapping its controversial two-child policy amid a slumping birth rate and aging population.
A TIKTOK rapper has shocked fans when he revealed he is the son of a huge 90s boyband star.
The cheeky lad didn’t hold back as he roasted his famous father for his “s*** music” as he poked fun at him at one of his gigs.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
TikTok rapper Phoenix JD has revealed he has a famous 90s boyband star dadCredit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjdThe social media star poked fun at his dad in a new videoCredit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjd
Phoenix’s dad is Spike Dawbarn (right) of the boyband 911 – seen here with Jimmy Constable, and Lee Brennan in 1996Credit: GettyPhoenix poked fun at his dad’s music. Spike seen here in 2024Credit: BBC
“But yeah, and then this is them on stage. There’s me dad on the right.”
Poking fun at Spike, he said: “Thankfully, I don’t get my musical ability from him, you know, I’ve got a bit about me.
“I hope he doesn’t see this now. He’ll kill me.
“But hey, this is him at 51 still trying to do back flips – and nearly decked it.
Spike’s son said he only went to the gig ‘to see Blue’ who his dad’s band were supportingCredit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjd911 were one of the biggest boybands of the 90sCredit: Getty
“I would’ve flipping loved it if he decked it.”
Phoenix also added he only went to the gig “to see Blue”.
Fans of 911 from back in the day went wild for the video, with one joking: “Oi your dad was a legend to us fossils!!”
Another quipped: “Lmfao! The way your roasting your dad! I’ll have you know 14-year-old me loved your dad’s band!”
The boyband’s fans rushed to their defenceCredit: Getty
This fan said: “I was obsessed with 911 still love them now! You’ve got your dad’s humour!”
Appearing on the BBC’s Boyband Forever doc, the star spoke about his bizarre living arrangements when the band were in their heyday.
“Jimmy got one bedroom, Lee got another bedroom and I was in the cupboard like Harry Potter,” he explained.
“On a mattress, in a cupboard. It’s literally where you’d just throw a load of coats in there.”
“And I just didn’t care to be honest, I wasn’t bothered,” he laughed.
In their early days, the band would tour schools across the country and perform for students.
“I used to come in, press play, do your singing and dancing routines, do your bit then load yourself back in the van and go to the next school,” he said.
ELLA Bright left fans absolutely stunned when she revealed her ‘real’ voice on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The Off Campus actress, 19, has seen huge success in her role as college junior Hannah Wells on the new YA series, where she speaks in an American accent.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Ella Bright left Kelly Clarkson and fans shocked after revealing her ‘real voice’Credit: TiktokKelly was blown away by Ella being British, saying she does ‘such a good’ American accent on the showCredit: Tiktok
However, both Kelly and viewers were left absolutely stunned by what her day-to-day speaking voice actually sounds like.
Bringing it up with Ella, a surprised Kelly said: “Your accent is f*****g throwing me. It’s throwing me, it’s crazy.
“It’s weird. I was doing research on you last night because you were coming on and I was like, ‘Oh my God, she’s British.’
“Because I only saw the clips from Off Campus so I was like, ‘Wait, what?’
Ella plays the role of Hannah Wells in Off CampusCredit: GettyThe young actress is only 19 years oldCredit: Liane Hentscher/PrimeBelmont Cameli plays her fake boyfriend, Garrett, on the showCredit: AP
“You do such a great American accent!”
Fans watching the clip felt the same way and commented about it on TikTok.
One user said: “I didn’t know she was British. Wow.”
A second shared: “I’m loving that raspy voice.”
A third added: “Insane insane insane.”
Season 1 of Off Campus debuted earlier this month, corresponding to the firstbookin Elle Kennedy’s viral series, The Deal, released in 2015.
It follows aspiringfilmcomposer Hannah as she pretends to date cocky Briar Uhockeycaptain Garrett Graham to win the attention of her real crush,Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston).
Ella’s on-screen partner, Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli), is 28 years old and also plays the role of a college student.
Emmerdale fans were left divided when the identity of the arsonist was finally revealed on the latest episode of the long-running ITV soap, especially as a potential production blunder confirmed it weeks ago
Emmerdale finally confirmed the identity of the arsonist on Friday night’s episode(Image: ITV)
It was all revealed in the final Emmerdale of the week, but even then, viewers had to wait until just before the credits rolled. Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), Robert, and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) had spent the day trying to figure out who was the culprit, along with Graham.
At the end of the day, Aaron explained to Robert: “Graham reckons he nearly caught someone today – the arsonist. Well, not nearly caught them, actually. He’s been keeping an eye on the place since Joe thought it was me and Robert starting the fires. Just someone in a dark hoodie, which is pretty much everyone we know.”
As he was talking, the final scene of the episode saw teenager Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn) walking up to the scene of the crime with a can of petrol and starting the fire.
Fans were quick to react to the revelation, with one writing: “Kyle Dingle needs some serious psychological help first murder then arsonist, what’s next serial killer?!” and another said: “Surely Kyle needs some punishment now. Him offending and the Dingles covering for him is not going to end well.”
Taking to X, another said: “OMG IT WAS KYLE ALL ALONG,” and another wrote: “Omg it’s Kyle,” as they emblazoned their comment with a shocked-face emoji. However, others claimed that the twist was “predictable”, especially given a potential mishap that happened in production.
As with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street, the credits roll with the cast listed in order of appearance and Kyle Winchester was the character noted at the top, and therefore suggested to be the person in the opening scene way back when the mystery was first teased. This opening scene was the hooded fire starter, therefore suggesting even then that it was Kyle.
One said: “#Emmerdale it was so obvious it was Kyle [eye roll emoji] It was as obvious as living in No1 Obvious St, Obvious Cresent in Obvious Town in the country of Fucking Obvious OB3 1OS,” whilst another said: “Oh really… would never have guessed him to be the fire starter.”
A third wrote: “So not only is Kyle a killer for murdering Al – he’s now an arsonist, As much as I’m loving another big story for Kyle and Huey Quinn is brilliant – this almost felt too predictable especially with the early spoiler last week in the end credits. #Emmerdale”
A fourth said: “I really wasn’t expecting Kyle to be the fire starter, it was so unexpected even when a lot of viewers called it weeks ago and #Emmerdale were so excited to tell us they totally didn’t credit Kyle in an episode where we only saw his figure.”
Madonna has revealed the celebrity who was the “best sex of her life” – and he’s very famousCredit: GettyThe Vogue singer, 67, teamed up with LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr for a new video promoting her upcoming album, Confessions IICredit: Instagram
In a sneak peek obtained by Page Six, fashion designer Raul Lopez asked the Queen of Pop to name the “best d*** down” she has ever experienced.
“I’m only going to name dead people,” replied Madonna.
Madonna revealed she would only name people that had already diedCredit: GettyMadonna covered her mouth and whispered: “John Kennedy Jr”Credit: GTRESMadonna dated Kennedy in the late 1980s while her marriage was coming to an endCredit: GettyKennedy’s competition amongst late lovers include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Luke Perry and Tupac ShakurCredit: Instagram
Raul continued: “You’re the third person I’ve heard say that.”
Madonna dated Kennedy in the late 1980s as her infamously turbulent marriage to Sean Penn was coming to an end.
Kennedy’s competition amongst late lovers include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Luke Perry and Tupac Shakur.
According to JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography, published in 2024 by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil, the romance was short-lived and never developed into anything serious.
“Madonna was totally a fling. Nothing more. Barely a fling at that,” one of Kennedy’s close friends says in the book.
According to the biography, Kennedy was dating actress Christina Haag when he met Madonna, while the pop star was married to Sean Penn.
Meanwhile, the Queen of Pop has royal standards when it comes to travel as we revealed that the hitmaker brought her own private chef on a British Airways flight last month.
UNIVERSAL is opening a brand-new ‘kids resort’ theme park dedicated to families with younger children.
It will open seven different worlds around popular TV and film characters like Shrek, Spongebob Squarepants and the Minions.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The new Universal Kid Resort will open in JulyCredit: APThe worlds will be themed around popular TV and film characters, like ShrekCredit: Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal announced yesterday that it will open its Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, on July 1.
Sharon Parker, Director of Marketing and Sales for Universal Kids Resort, told NBC 5: “This is a theme park built with kids in mind.
“At the end of the day, we think that the inner child in all of us is going to brought to life once those families come to the park.”
Inside will be seven-themed lands inspired by Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
As it’s designed for children between 3-8, the experiences will be ‘kid-sized’ and will include immersive attractions.
Activities include a Trolls dance party, Puss in Boots-themed puppet show, sensory gardens, character meet-and-greets and water play.
In its social media post about the grand-opening – other rides include rollercoasters, swing rides, a playground, lazy river ride and splash park.
Along with the park, a new Universal Kids Resort Hotel will open just a few steps away from the entrance.
It will have a colourful exterior and inside will be 300 rooms and family suites, three restaurants and a swimmingpool.
The hotel will accept stays that start on June 30 – the day before the park officially opens.
The new resort will be in Texas and entry starts $54.99 (just under £41)Credit: Getty
Rooms include Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen, and Signature Queen rooms, which can sleep up to five guests, and the Family Suites, which can sleep up to six guests.
Staying at the hotel means guests get early bird admission one hour before the park opens, and access through a dedicated entrance.
When it comes to shopping, whatever hotel guests buy will be delivered the room so they won’t have to carry it around during the day.
Tickets to the park are now on sale – there are one and two-day admissions.
The hotel will have 300 colourful rooms, three restaurants and a swimming poolCredit:
One-day tickets start from $54.99 (£40.98) and two-day admissions start from $73.99 (£55.15) – this pass must be used in two consecutive days.
There’s also an annual pass option too for entry all year costing $129.99 (£96.88).
The resort is launching packages too – for example, a package would include a two-night hotel stay, early park admission and a ‘1.5-Day’ admission ticket.
Angelina broke down in tears as she revealed her heartbreaking miscarriageCredit: MTVIt comes just a week after her shock pregnancy was revealed on Jersey ShoreCredit: MTV
She said: “I’m just not feeling myself.
“Some stuff’s happening with me and my pregnancy and I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t even know what to do.”
Angelina then visited co-star Sammi Giancola, who was also pregnant, to ask for advice.
Angelina told her: “I’m spotting. I’m wearing a pad right now.”
In last week’s episode, Angelina called the unknown father to tell him the newsCredit: UnknownAngelina with ex-boyfriend Vinny TortorellaCredit: Getty Images
Sammi, 39, replied: “I’m going to be honest with you, when I miscarried – like a chemical pregnancy – I was spotting right away, and then it, like, just, it happened.”
Then, in a teaser trailer for next week’s episode, Angelina confirmed the devastating news.
She said: “I woke up in the middle of the night. I’m actively miscarrying.”
Just a week ago viewers watched as Angelina, whose fertility struggles have been at the centre of her current storyline, shared the news that she was pregnant.
Most read in Entertainment
After showing Sammi a positive pregnancy test, she said in a confessional: “I did not think I was able to get pregnant, but, wow, I’m… pregnant.
“This could be a great thing. This could be my fairy tale, my path, my baby.”
Angelina later called the unknown father, who she referred to only as John Doe-nor.
She told him: “So, I have some news for you.
“I am officially, definitely pregnant – we’re having a baby!”
For the third year in a row, Littler finished top of the Premier League standings.
He went on to reach the final for the third consecutive year and has won the title in two of them.
He set a new record for night wins in the league phase in 2025 and matched that tally of six in 2026.
Despite that, Littler said he felt like he did not want to “go to the next Premier League night”.
He added: “Tonight was one of those wins where I had to get it done. Even sat at home, I didn’t want to go out. I didn’t want to go to the next Premier League night but we’ve done it.
“We’ve all got feelings, not just as dart players, we’re humans. I can’t believe I’ve won.”
The current Premier League format lasts 17 weeks if you reach finals night and sees players travel across the UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe to play every Thursday during the league phase.
The event only features eight players – the world’s four top-ranked players and four players who are invited by the Professional Darts Corporation – and runs alongside ProTour events.
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle highlighted how former world champions Gerwyn Price and Phil Taylor have felt a similar strain to Littler in the past.
He said: “It is not a rarity for the Premier League to become too much. Week after week, it is an endurance test.
“Sometimes you can feel down and if you feel down, you become mentally weaker.
“We know how strong Luke Littler is mentally but when you are feeling like you’re public enemy number one, you can feel like you don’t want to turn up, but he did turn up and this is now the by-product of turning up.”
Despite coming close to leaving the competition, Littler’s dominance in the sport continues to grow.
His victory means he has added the Premier League to his World Championship title, World Masters and UK Open successes this year.
Littler holds seven of the eight ranking titles that the Professional Darts Corporation have, plus the Premier League.
“There is a point in everyone’s career when they are at their peak – we don’t know if this is his peak but we know this is peak level because Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor’s peak was this kind of standard,” added Mardle.
“We’re assuming he must be near his peak and it is good enough time and time again. There are no weaknesses really.”
Among the next things for Littler to tick off is glory alongside Luke Humphries for England in June’s World Cup of Darts.
If the pair play anything like they did in London on Thursday night, you wouldn’t bet against them.