Sun Club

THE race to crown the Christmas No1 will get under way in two weeks.

And a dark horse, or should that be lovable bear, has entered the fray.

Paddington has become a major contender with song One Of Us, which is actually sung by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, who wrote it for the new Paddington The Musical in London’s West End.

He has stiff competition in what is looking set to be the most closely fought contest in years.

Martin Talbot, chief executive of The Official Charts Company, said: “The vision of Paddington taking on this year’s diverse gaggle of new festive chart contenders, alongside seasonal classics from The Pogues, Mariah Carey and Wham!, will be something to savour.”

The winning song will be revealed on The Radio 1 Chart Show just after 5.30pm on December 19.

Lee Phelps, from bookies William Hill, said: “Wham! are our odds-on favourites to be Christmas No1 for the third year running.

“They’ve been popular in the betting and are now as short as 1/2

“Kylie Minogue is the only other single-figure price at 11/2, while Together For Palestine take third spot in our market at 12/1.

“At 14/1, Taylor Swift joins Alison Limerick and Mariah Carey to top the charts on Christmas Day for the first time in the UK.”

Associate Bizarre Editor Howell Davies casts his eye over the contenders . . .

• Odds provided by William Hill. See the full market at sports.williamhill.com.

Paddington and Tom Fletcher — One of Us

6/1

AS one of the nation’s favourite characters, Paddington has topped the box office multiple times.

Meanwhile McFly’s Tom Fletcher has scored seven No1 singles. Now they are joining forces with One Of Us, written by Tom for Paddington The Musical.

The video, which is out today along with the song, sees them appear together at Paddington train station in London and had to be filmed under the cover of ­darkness to keep the secret.

The full soundtrack to the musical will be released in March ­following rave reviews for the stage show.

Wham! — Last Christmas

1/2

WHAM!’s hit about a seasonal break-up, set against jingle bells, has reached No1 for the last two Christmases.

When it was first released in 1984, it was pipped to the top spot by Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?.

It’s the third best-selling single in UK history and was already the highest ­charting Christmas song on last Friday’s rundown, when it was at No19.

The profits originally contributed to famine aid in Ethiopia, but in recent years George Michael’s estate has been dividing the proceeds between a series of other charity groups.

Roland Gift — Everybody Knows It’s Christmas

66/1

THIS number from Fine Young Cannibals frontman Roland Gift started off as a bet but has since racked up more than 86,000 views online.

It fuses glam rock with a festive, jingle bell ball and is being released on CD and 7in single, as well as streaming and download services, in a bid to boost sales.

Roland told The Sun: “It started out as a bet with my mate, who’s a big Slade fan.

“He said if I could write a Christmas song that was a hit, he’d give my car a free service and new tyres. I hope this song brings a bit of warmth, a smile and maybe a bit of that Christmas magic your way.”

Kylie Minogue — Xmas

11/2

SHE released her album Kylie Christmas in 2015 and now the Aussie star is back to spread joy with a savvy link-up.

Her new song Xmas is ­exclusive to Amazon Music, meaning it can only be downloaded there or played through its streaming service.

But it’s a clever move, because it is among the first tracks to be played when people ask their Alexa devices to play Christmas music.

The last two years have seen Tom Grennan’s It Can’t Be Christmas and Sam Ryder’s You’re Christmas To Me finish in second place in the festive chart because of the power of Amazon.

Alison Limerick — Where Love Lives

14/1

THIS track has swelled in popularity since a cover by Labrinth featured in this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert.

Alison Limerick’s pulsating house tune was originally released in 1990. It peaked at No9 in 1996 but recently re-entered the charts at No44.

Now it is being tipped to rise far higher as the TV ad gets more plays.

Alison said: “Music has always had the power to bring all kinds of peeps together, but I hope this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert will give those who see it a new, emotional connection with the song.”

Denise Welch — Slayyy Bells

100/1

THE firm festive outsider this year is actress Denise Welch with her borderline-unlistenable offering.

The track has been released as a tie-in with choc brand Celebrations – 30 years after she hit No23 with a cover of You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.

Denise, whose son Matty Healy is lead singer for The 1975, said: “I love Christmas, but sometimes I want to shake things up a bit. We don’t always have to have turkey or play charades. We can celebrate this special holiday our way.

“This remix, apart from being cool, catchy and a sure- fire hit, is all about ­having fun.”

Mariah Carey — All I Want For Christmas Is You

14/1

AS the Queen of Christmas, Mariah is never far from the charts at this time of year.

All I Want For Christmas Is You was first released in 1994 and has returned to the Top 40 every year since 2007.

It is an unabashedly joyful belter, complete with bell chimes and lyrics about ditching a desire for materialistic gifts.

It topped the charts in 2021 and remains a strong contender for Christmas No1, finishing last year at No3.

In the US, it is even more ­popular and has been the ­festive No1 for the past six years.

Taylor Swift — Opalite

14/1

SHE already has five No1s to her name and has spent the same number of weeks at the top with The Fate Of Ophelia. But Opalite, another track from her The Life Of A Showgirl album, is poised to become a competitor after The Sun on Sunday revealed she had flown to London to shoot a festive video.

She hired out a shopping centre in ­Croydon to film the scenes, with the video believed to include cameos from singer Lewis Capaldi among others.

An updated version of Opalite is expected to be launched alongside the video, just in time for Christmas.

Together For Palestine — Lullaby

12/1

THERE have been plenty of Christmas songs for good causes. Now Together For Palestine are hoping to raise funds with their ­charity single Lullaby.

Musicians including Neneh Cherry, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Brian Eno, Bastille frontman Dan Smith and Celeste have joined forces with Palestinian musicians to appear on the track, which is a reimagining of a ­traditional Palestinian lullaby.

Speaking about the song, out on December 12, Eno said: “We have a real shot at landing Christmas No1 – and turning that moment into vital life-saving support for Gaza’s families.”

IS SHE a crusader or a Rebel without a cause?

That’s the question surrounding Rebel Wilson this week, as she stares down the barrel of yet another legal wrangling — while passionately claiming she’s a “whistleblower” fighting for justice.

This week, in a bombshell TV interview, the 45-year-old broke her silence on the legal battle she is fighting surrounding her feature film directorial debut.

The star, who was born and raised in Sydney, told 60 Minutes Australia she had been the target of “incessant . . . bullying and harassment” by the producers of her comedy musical, The Deb.

The producers are suing her for defamation, breach of contract and sabotage and the lead actress has also launched a lawsuit against her.

It comes just 18 months after Rebel accused Sacha Baron Cohen of inappropriate behaviour on the set of another production — which he denies — and eight years after a landmark defamation battle.

Now, with her star showing signs of waning Down Under, have the endless litigations and allegations destroyed Rebel’s career?

In the latest real-life drama, the producers of The Deb — Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden — launched their legal action after Rebel claimed they had embezzled film funds.

She also accused Amanda of sexually harassing lead actress Charlotte MacInnes on set.

Charlotte, who denies she made claims of sexual harassment, is suing Rebel for defamation after the latter implied she had “changed her story” and was backtracking to save her career.

Rebel says the producers’ complaints against her are “an attempt to sling mud at [her] reputation”, and that all the muck and mess surrounding the project has been her “worst nightmare”.

‘Smear campaign’

She is now countersuing the producers, accusing them of financial misdeeds, misconduct and coercion.

She claims she had been subjected to suppressive measures, saying: “They locked me in a room and forced me to sign documents. I was like, ‘This is like the KGB.’ ”

The producers vehemently deny Rebel’s allegations, which she initially highlighted in an Instagram video in July 2024.

In the original clip, Rebel accused them of “bad behaviour”, “embezzling funds” and of perpetrating “inappropriate behaviour towards the lead actress”.

She subsequently claimed it was Amanda Ghost who had taken things too far with Charlotte. Rebel alleged Amanda had “asked [Charlotte] to have a bath and shower with her and it made her feel uncomfortable”.

In an extra layer to the mudslinging, both Charlotte and the producers have also accused Rebel of being behind several websites allegedly created as a smear campaign, which have since been taken down.

What is very clear is that she is not as loved here in recent years as I think she expected to be

Eleanor Sprawson, a journalist based in Australia, on Rebel Wilson

These websites accused Amanda, who is of Indo–Trinidadian heritage, of being akin to “the Indian Ghislaine Maxwell” and referred to her as a “full pimp” who was “procuring young women for the pleasure of the extremely wealthy”.

Rebel has denied any involvement in a smear campaign or the creation of websites against her legal foes, claiming she was heavily involved in getting them removed.

The cases rumble on and Rebel remains undeterred.

Not only does she stand by her story and appears willing to fight to the end, she is also loudly promoting new projects on Instagram and is looking forward to seeing The Deb finally hit screens in Australia in January.

Rebel’s history suggests she is not someone to be provoked.

In 2016, Rebel — who found global fame in 2011 comedy Bridesmaids, before her scene-stealing turn as Fat Amy in 2012’s Pitch Perfect — set fire to the media landscape in Australia after launching a legal battle against Bauer Media.

In a landmark defamation case, Rebel sued the publisher over a series of articles published in 2015, that accused her of lying about her age, real name, and details of her upbringing, to advance her career.

Rebel said these stories had painted her as a serial liar and fraud, and had caused her to lose major film roles in Hollywood. She added that they had been perfectly timed to harm her as her career peaked post-Pitch Perfect.

Initially, the judge ruled in her favour, granting her $4.5million (£2.3million) — the largest defamation payout in Australian history — which she vowed to donate to charity and film projects.

But a later appeal saw the damages reduced to $600,000 — and Rebel was also ordered to pay 80 per cent of Bauer’s appeal costs.

While the appeal court upheld the initial verdict, it found the actress had not proved she had lost specific Hollywood roles solely because of the articles written about her. Another appeal followed — this time from Rebel — but the courts didn’t budge on the reduced payout.

Standing outside the High Court of Australia in November 2018, the actress told reporters: “To me, it was never about the money, but about standing up to a bully and I have done that successfully.”

Such a stance — pushing back against oppressors — is what Rebel has always argued she is doing. More so, perhaps, than the average celebrity — because, as time has passed, Rebel has continued to set the cat among the pigeons.

Last year, she hit the headlines again, as she released her  autobiography Rebel Rising — taking to Instagram to identify Sacha Baron Cohen as the unnamed “massive a**hole” that a controversial chapter of the book centres on.

The Borat actor had directed and starred opposite Rebel in their 2016 movie Grimsby.

Rebel claimed she had been pressured to perform a “lewd act” that was never in a script.

Reflecting on the filming process, Rebel alleged Sacha made repeated, inappropriate requests to her, like: “Just go naked, it will be funny”.

She said she had felt “bullied, humiliated and compromised”.

‘The boy who cried wolf’

While no legal action was taken by either side, Sacha slammed the claims as “demonstrably false” and argued that all evidence — including film footage, production notes and eyewitness statements — contradicted her account.

The book was published in its entirety in the US, but was partially redacted in the UK and Australia — with any mention of Rebel’s allegations against Sacha blacked out due to the legal risk of defamation.

In March 2024, Rebel railed against her suppressors, writing on social media that she would not be “bullied or silenced by high-priced lawyers or crisis PR managers”.

And now she is doubling down on that promise, thanks to her latest public battle.

So, where does that leave Rebel, who, ten years ago was considered to be one of Hollywood’s funniest women.

Eleanor Sprawson, a journalist based in Australia, where Rebel initially found fame, says the temperature has changed towards the actress in recent years.

“What is very clear is that she is not as loved here in recent years as I think she expected to be,” Eleanor explains.

“She was loved, way back 20 or more years ago when she was in a comedy series called Pizza, and I think people were excited for her when she took off in Hollywood.

“So when she presented a local show called Pooch Perfect, TV executives definitely thought they were on to a huge winner: ‘Local girl turned Hollywood star returning to do humble Australian TV’-type thing.

“But in fact the show bombed — and it bombed literally when people were locked in their houses because of the pandemic, with nothing to do EXCEPT watch TV. I think it proves that Australians have not taken her to their hearts.”

She adds: “She certainly did herself no favours by slagging off that old show Pizza in her memoirs. This show is very fondly remembered about a kind of class of people who don’t get much exposure on Australian TV in general.”

No one in the industry will want to work with her in the future if this behaviour is kept up. They’d be scared of legal issues or defamatory language

PR expert Quincy Dash

Meanwhile, Rebel could be seen as fighting causes that matter. In 2021, she donated $1million to the Australian Theatre for Young People.

She’s certainly combative, but has needed to be. In 2022, she came out as gay by posting an Instagram photo of her and her then girlfriend, now wife, Ramona Agruma.

Rebel revealed she’d had to “rush” her coming out after The Sydney Morning Herald contacted her representatives for comment on the new relationship

The actress also had to face constant scrutiny over her fluctuating weight, which — while she previously said made her the go-to funny girl.

But, as PR expert Quincy Dash tells The Sun, her litigious and provocative behaviour sometimes makes her seem like “the boy who cried wolf”.

He warns that “no one in the industry will want to work with her in the future if this behaviour is kept up. They’d be scared of legal issues or defamatory language.”

As it stands, Rebel is pushing ahead, and will next be seen in the Sky Original festive film Tinsel Town next month.

But as for her once-glistening career, she’s going to have to really ask herself: Does she really have a cause worth fighting for?

OVER the last 12 months, Kate Brazier has found her life completely turned upside down as a family feud, abusive behaviour, and rows over being a stay-at-home-wife rocked her marriage.

The PR guru, 35, – who took on the role as stepmum to Jeff’s grieving two sons – clung onto her marriage to Jeff Brazier for as long as she could, before finally calling it quits for good a few weeks ago. Here, insiders tell us what finally broke Kate, and reveal the heartbreaking battle she was fighting behind the scenes.

Our insider revealed: “The last year has been incredibly hard on all the family and unfortunately Kate is the one who has really suffered in it all.”

Last night The Sun told how Kate and Jeff, 46, who were together for twelve years, are now living apart after “a year of hell” involving issues with Freddy Brazier, 21 — Jeff’s youngest son from his relationship with tragic Big Brother star Jade Goody.

Amongst those issues was an escalating rift with stepmum Kate. In a cruel post, Freddy listed things he “hates” which included: “Step parents”, which was said to be “like a dagger in the heart” for Kate. 

The insider explained: “It’s no secret that Freddy has been struggling and has a number of issues, which has meant everything else has taken a back seat. 

Kate knows she’ll always come second to the boys.

Insider

“Freddy has been quite vocal about not liking Kate and is said to have been verbally abusive towards her at times. 

“Kate really thinks Jeff could have stuck up for her more in it all but instead she felt pushed out.

“People seem to forget that Kate has been a mother figure to both the boys since they were very young and has really given her all to support them and Jeff.”

Kate was just 24 when she first met the boys, it was five years after their mum had died and she admits she became a part of their life “without a clue what I was doing or how to help”.

From the outside Jeff appeared to have it all under control – Bobby his oldest lad, 22, was on EastEnders and Strictly, he was living the dream hosting on This Morning and Freddy was finding his feet in the world.

But behind the occasional picture perfect instagram posts, the truth was far darker and Freddy was battling his inner demons.

What followed was a devastating and very public family fall out, which saw Jeff launch legal action to block Freddy from seeing his gran, Jade’s mum Jackiey Budden, 68,

He accused Jackiey of being a bad influence on Freddy amid fears for his welfare.

In another bombshell, Freddy announced he was to become a dad for the first time with influencer girlfriend Holly Swinburn.

Jeff immediately stepped up and made it clear that he would do what he could to make sure the baby was safe and happy – which appears to have come at the detriment to other things in his life. 

The insider continued: “Things reached breaking point when Freddy revealed he was having a baby.

“Jeff is incredibly involved and Kate just knows it’s going to be a chaotic nightmare. Jeff is desperate to make the situation OK for his son.

“But it’s meant the issues he had with Kate have been massively amplified by the pregnancy and its caused a lot of stress.

“Kate knows she’ll always come second to the boys – and that’s fine. She gets it. But it’s all become way too much.”

In a new twist, Freddy has since split from Holly after a row over their dog, throwing decisions about the baby into chaos.

‘A RETREAT FOR EXTENDED FAMILY’

Over the weekend Jeff hinted his marriage was over in online posts and made it very clear where his priorities lay – with his soon to be extended family.

Revealing he had bought a new home, he wrote in a thinly-veiled dig: “After three years in the commuter belt to make things easy for everyone else, it was when I ultimately became a storage facility that I realised it was time to suit myself and open fields make me happy.”

He went on: “I wanted to be in a home that felt like a calm retreat for my soon-extended family.

“I realised some time ago that success equals peace and I’ve found the perfect environment for what feels like a transitional time in all our lives.”

But it seems Kate feels like the right decision has been made, she is back living in her apartment in Hackney and jetted to Vegas for the weekend for the US Grand Prix.

In her selfie from the trip, Kate wrote: “Possibly one of the best days of my life.”

Her words will no doubt be a crushing blow to Jeff, who is said to have been desperate to make things work after everything they have been through.

But yesterday he was not wearing his wedding ring as he reported for ITV’s Good Morning Britain from Reykjavik in Iceland.

A MOTHER FIGURE IN THEIR DARKEST TIMES

The couple first got together in 2013 before tying the knot in 2018, where the boys played a big part. 

The wedding was a huge milestone for Bobby and Kate because it was the first time he told he loved her.

She recalled:  “Fred says it to me every day, but Bobby is more reserved, so for me that was truly amazing and shows how far we have come.”

Bobby joked in his speech about how he struggled with their relationship initially, saying: “This is a bit awkward, but to cut a long story short, I didn’t really rate you to begin with,”

“But now I’m so glad I can genuinely tell you I love you. You being around has made things a lot easier for us boys, and we appreciate you a lot.”

Fast forward to this year though and there has been a huge shift in relationships.

Freddy, who lost mum Jade, then 27, to cervical cancer in 2009, when he was just four, heartbreakingly told his followers: “I don’t know how to love because I’ve never been loved.”

But Jeff and Kate briefly split at the end of 2022, partly due to clashes over their lifestyles — Jeff is a homebird while Kate enjoys socialising.

Back then Kate told pals she did not want to be a “stay-at-home wife”. But the couple agreed to give their marriage another go after Jeff revealed he was the loneliest he had ever been.

And things certainly looked rosy for some time – but as Freddy’s personal crisis escalated, Bobby also made a surprising decision to quit EastEnders and the spiritual lad moved to India to join a Hare Krishna commune

He said Freddy “needs to grow up” after images emerged of his younger brother and his nan Jackiey smoking a suspicious-looking cigarette next to the Thames in London.

Jeff reluctantly backed down from his legal action in August, and while he started communicating with Freddy again sources said his relationship with him remains strained.

And it seems despite his best efforts, drama continues to follow Freddy and whether he will be back with the mother of his child by the time they are born remains to be seen. Kate for one isn’t prepared to wait around to find out. 

Jeff and Kate have been contacted for comment.

I’M a Travel Editor who also happens to be a London mum of a six-year -old – and while we spend plenty of time travelling the world, one of my favourite places to explore is my home city.

Because London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubs.

In fact, I have spent whole days out with my son in London at museums, galleries and theatre shows, without spending more than £50.

So if you’re planning a family trip to London, here are some of my favourite places to go with kids in the city.

Free attractions

There are so many free attractions in London that you could fill a week’s worth of activities without spending a penny on tickets.

Of course, three of the biggest are always worth a visit – the British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

I’d say the earliest your child is like to be interested in the British Museum, near Russell Square, is around six years old.

The exhibits are better suited to older children and adults, but they have gone to great lengths to make things interesting to young children too, like museum explorer trail guides and the Gallery backpacks.

Inside the bags are a number of items and activities, including hieroglyphs, toy animals, amulets and even fancy dress.

Be sure not to miss the mummies in the Ancient Egyptian section, hugely popular with anyone aged 6 to 96. Although it does get very busy.

The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and deservedly so) is the Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14. Tickets cost from £15 for this area.

The neighbouring Natural History Museum is another one with some excellent paying exhibits, but the dinosaur gallery is free and perfect for kids, as is the creepy crawlies gallery and the Earth Hall.

For more of an arty trip, try the Tate Modern – my son loves the Pop Art and the huge installations in the Turbine Hall.

But his favourite is Tate Draw, where kids can make their own creations on a bank of screens, an activity that kept him busy for over an hour.

Further down the South Bank is the Southbank centre, which offers some of my favourite free activities on weekends and in school holidays.

My son has been to Lego-building, screen printing and even helped to build a Moomin House with real saws, wood and hammers at the venue, all completely free.

It’s worth checking if you need to book in advance though, as tickets for the free events go very fast.

For an event they’re sure to remember forever – I still have a hazy recollection of my first Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace when I was just seven years old, and my son went last year and loved it too.

The ceremony takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and it’s worth getting there early for a good spot.

For something considerably more modern, try the Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UK.

The space shows a series of artist-made short films, some of which invite audience participation, and it’s so entertaining that my son and I are happy to sit there for an hour.

Pubs And Restaurants

Taking a child to a pub or restaurant can strike fear into the heart of any parent – will they sit still? Will they eat? It’s a culinary minefield.

Here are some of my favourite places that welcome children.

Brewdog Waterloo is easily my favourite pub in London for families.

It has an indoor slide, a duckpin bowling alley, scavenger hunts and face painting during school holidays, an ice cream van, ping pong tables and an extensive kids’ menu.

It gets quite busy after 5pm with post-work drinkers, but any time before that and you feel like it’s perfectly acceptable that your kid is doing their 20th lap of the pub to reach the two-storey slide.

Much like Brewdog, Sixes cricket bars have excellent activities for kids – their high-tech batting cages mean children can burn off some serious energy while you sip on a pint

They also have tasty food to suit everyone – my personal favourite is the flaming candy floss pudding in the giant martini glass.

As a Travel Editor who has taken my child to many restaurants over the years, I’ve recently hit upon a surprising winner – ramen.

Introduce a child to chopsticks and noodles in a bowl, and they’ll stay entertained for at least half an hour.

Tonkotsu has a chain of ramen restaurants across London, with both bento boxes for kids and non-spicy ramen bowls.

Particularly adventurous child who doesn’t mind a queue? Try Borough Market on a Monday or Tuesday, when it’s less crowded.

They’ll love the bowls of free bite-sized food the traders leave out to tempt you and the hot stations round the back really do have something for everyone.

You can indulge your love of Thai or Indian, while they chow down on pizza or fish and chips.

Then you can share some of those ludicrous strawberries in chocolate or a giant brownie for afters.

If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, I can’t speak highly enough of the Rosewood Hotel’s Holborn Dining Room.

They have the most beautiful Rosewood-themed activity books for kids to fill in and the huge bowl of sausage and mash went down a treat, as did the chance to pet the very cute Labradors who stand on duty at the entrance.

Parks

London’s parks are second to none – I’ve never been to a city in the world that has so many, with such a variation.

Perfect if you’re paying a visit to Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park playground is excellent for many reasons.

Firstly, it has a Go Ape next door, so you can easily kill at least four hours in a 100-metre radius.

Secondly, the playground itself is excellent with two different areas for older and younger kids that feature huge slides, trapezes, massive climbing frames and plenty more.

It is particularly great for parents because the park cafe serves beer and pizzas, and you can grab a table with a perfect view of the playground – great for keeping an eye on your kid AND people watching, as I’ve never visited this playground without spotting a celebrity.

One of my favourite parks if you’re in the centre of town is Coram’s Fields, a seven-acre walled playground in the heart of Bloomsbury.

It feels particularly safe in the centre of busy London because they have a rule that ‘no adult can enter without a child.’

If you’re exploring the many attractions the South Bank has to offer, then it’s well worth stopping by the Jubilee Gardens playground, next to the London Eye.

Smaller than the others I’ve mentioned, it’s very well designed and perfect for those kids who need to run off some steam in between organised fun.

A little bit further out, Greenwich Park playground is possibly my favourite in London (while the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is closed for renovations).

It has all the usual suspects, as well as an excellent sand and water play area – so remember to bring some plastic cups and spades.

Plus afterwards, you can walk to the top of the hill in the park, for great views of the capital.

Paid for attractions

OK, there are many that I could have shared here, but these are some of the paid-for attractions that have been the biggest hits with my child from the ages of 3-6.

As every parent knows, attractions with lots of ‘look don’t touch’ rules are a nightmare for those with inquisitive kids which is why HMS Belfast is such a winner (adult tickets £26.35 and kids £13.15).

Built to last at sea in wartime, this Royal Navy ship moored on the Thames near London Bridge is not in the least bothered about curious little hands.

They have audioguides for older kids and activity packs for younger children.

My son spent three hours exploring every level of this battle ship and would easily have stayed for a further three.

Speaking of ships, the Golden Hinde further along the South Bank near the Globe Theatre is another hit.

A seaworthy reconstruction of the ship captained by Francis Drake when he sailed around the world in the 16th century, the attraction has particularly great value activities on during school holidays.

For just £8, my son took part in a 1.5-hour session onboard where they went on a scavenger hunt, learnt how to fire cannons, had a tour of the ship and practised (foam) sword fighting.

When it comes to the pricier attractions, one of our most memorable days out has been a ride on the Thames Rockets – the speedboat tours of the River Thames.

We went on their new 26-seater boat The Rocket Rebel, for a hair-raising trip accompanied by some of London’s best pop and rock music.

Then on the way back, the hilarious tour guide filled us in on some very interesting titbits about the capital as we passed the many famous landmarks.

With adults from £59.95 and kids from £49.95 it’s not cheap, but it is an absolutely brilliant way to sight see the city that guarantees the kids won’t moan about being bored.

Theatre Shows and Culture

This is a tricky one, because if you’re aiming for theatre that young kids will love then shows tend to be limited to school holidays.

But of the big budget ones that I’ve seen which will not disappoint – The Lion King and Starlight Express are perfect for all ages from 6 to 96.

Other than that, take a gamble by signing up to discount ticket websites like Show Film First and The Audience Club several weeks ahead of your visit.

They operate as seatfiller sites and I have found Band A and B tickets for £15 to huge shows on both websites.

Also, check out what the Southbank Centre has on offer. They have so many free cultural events aimed at families, from art to dancing, building and live music.

Plus, in the summertime your kid can play in the Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms fountains, with views of the Thames.

SHE was known for late-night partying with showbiz pals during her ladette days and Sara Cox admits that behind doors she was full of energy too.

The DJ says “no surface was safe” when she was at home with her advertising executive husband Ben Cyzer, who she has been with for two decades.

But flash forward to today and the 50-year-old mum of three says that “every surface is safe” and they often sleep in separate rooms because she can’t stand his snoring.

Sara said: “When I sometimes get on my little stool in the kitchen to reach for some Tupperware, I do think, ‘Oh, look, my fun area is really parallel with his face right at the moment’.

“But as the kids get older, you just can’t be doing that — they’d never get past it.

“I mean, when you’re in your early 30s and stuff, no surface is safe in the kitchen or the bathroom, is it? But now pretty much everywhere is safe.”

Sara, who has just completed the equivalent of five marathons in five days to raise an astonishing £10million for Children In Need, opened up about their sleeping habits at home in North London.

Just days before the epic fundraiser, she told The Teen Commandments Podcast: “This is my issue that I’ve got with Ben in the night.

“Just general breathing — just him breathing is annoying. Not during the day, I have to point that out. I just mean any slight noises.

“You know on a wildlife documentary where they have a shot of an animal that’s on high alert for a predator? I think I’ve got that kind of feeling in the middle of the night.

“Like, if I just hear the tiniest sound, it’s so magnified in the middle of the night — I think there’s a bit of anxiety in there.

“Because I remember in my 20s, if I woke up at 1.30am — well, I probably wouldn’t be in bed at half one — but if I woke in the middle of the night and it was like 3am in my 20s, I’d be, like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got loads of time to sleep, amazing’.

“And now I’m 50, I just go, ‘F**k, it’s three, I’m not going to sleep’. I nudge him and he’s really patient — he’s great about it. But we keep sleeping in ­separate rooms, which is a bit depressing.”

Bolton-born Sara doubtless needs plenty of rest after running a total of 135 miles from Kielder Forest in Northumberland to ­Pudsey in Leeds earlier this month — carrying the annual Beeb telethon’s mascot ­Pudsey Bear on her back.

During her Great Northern Marathon Challenge, the star was sent a message of encouragement by Prince William, who said: “Keep going — you’ve done fantastically well and the nation’s so proud of you.”

Sara says she was inspired to raise money for vulnerable kids after recalling the bullying she suffered at school from “two girls who made my life hell”.

This week she revealed she battled through the challenge by listening to tracks by rapper Stormzy and said it was a lot tougher than she ever expected.

Behind-the-scenes footage shown on Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way For Children In Need, on BBC One on Wednesday, revealed the heartbreaking reason she decided to take on the challenge.

And now I’m 50, I just go, ‘F**k, it’s three, I’m not going to sleep’

Sara said: “My brother David died suddenly in 2019 and it completely destroyed the family — like, it came out of nowhere and he was a real athlete who ran countless Ironman competitions.

“I don’t think he’d believe I’m doing this, I think he’d be super-proud. I’m hoping that I’ve just got a bit of strength from him today.”

Sara’s children are now nearly the age she was when she found fame. Her eldest, Lola — from her first marriage — is 21, while Isaac and Renee are 17 and 15 respectively.

Sara had been working as a model when, at the age of 22 she landed her first TV job hosting The Girlie Show on Channel 4.

Two years later she became a presenter on The Big Breakfast and a year on, in 1999, it was announced she would take over the Radio 1 Breakfast show.

Known as “Coxy” back then, she worked — and partied — hard. Her pals included fellow broadcaster Zoe Ball, model Gail Porter, actress Donna Air and TV host Jayne ­Middlemiss.

They became notorious for their wild nights and were dubbed ladettes — a term Sara has always hated, saying it suggested they were “just trying to be like the boys . . . and we were never trying to be like the boys”.

Her lifestyle changed dramatically when she became mum to Lola in 2004, a year before she separated from her first husband DJ Jon Carter, who she had married in 2001.

Sara began dating Ben, now 50, in 2005 and they married in 2013 a year after she signalled another shift by quitting BBC Radio 1 to host the breakfast show on its more mature sister ­station, Radio 2. ‘Mind-boggling behaviour’.

She has admitted: “Yes, I used to drink loads. I thought nothing of ­having wine with lunch then going to the pub later, but they were ­different times. It all stops when you have children, to be replaced with other things that are just as pleasurable.

“The first ten years of my career I was out a lot more and the second decade I was explaining my ­behaviour in the first decade and apologising for it.”

And she said she never felt pressure to bring back her “Coxy” alter ego, because she had “buried her with some vodka and Marlboro Lights”.

The first ten years of my career I was out a lot more and the second decade I was explaining my ­behaviour in the first decade and apologising for it

Now her work has changed too. The BBC Radio 2 presenter has been hosting the station’s Drivetime show since January 2019 and next up is a new BBC One series, starting on December 1, about professional model-makers, called The Marvellous ­Miniatures Workshop.

When she’s not on the TV or the radio, Sara is busy hosting The Teen Commandments podcast with her best friend Clare Hamilton, who she has known since they were ­children.

The pair launched the podcast in January, having raised five teenagers between them.

The show casts light on the “mind-boggling behaviour” of their ­youngsters and how they tackled it with “wisdom that only comes from being rule-breakers themselves”.

On this week’s episode, Sara reveal­ed she has been trying to break her family’s addiction to mobile phones.

She confided: “I just feel like a st mum because I am not stopping it, and I feel completely powerless.

My brother David died suddenly in 2019. He was a real athlete. I don’t think he’d believe I’m doing this, I think
he’d be super proud

“I did suggest something, but it was immediately . . .  I mean, the faces I was met with . . .

“I should have really got Ben more on side because what can happen sometimes is that I will suggest something for us to do as a family, and Ben will immediately side with the teenagers and undermine me.

“I told him that I wanted to do something where we start having more time together as a family and we put the phones away.

“So over dinner, I was like, ‘Right, this weekend, can we do it where we just have four hours without our phones or our laptops or anything?’

“Immediately, Ben piped up, ‘That’s too long’. I’m giving him daggers when the youngest pipes up that she’s got to revise. She needs her phone. Fair enough.

“But I’m really worried that we’re not living our lives together as a family, where we look at each other and where we chat and where we do things and hang out.

“So I’m just, like, ‘Whether we go out on a big dog walk or we just do something as a family, let’s put the phones away for four hours’.”

Sara is unlikely to be popping out for a stroll any time soon as she complains she cannot walk following her fundraising efforts.

But she still feels like she is in the best shape of her life, explaining on her podcast: “It’s good on this side of 50, I’ve got to say.

“I think — especially when you’re a woman — it’s always like, ‘How do you feel about turning 50? What are you going to do?’ But this age seems better than the alternative, babe.”

IT’S been an incredibly choppy lead up to his big day – and this week Adam Peaty and his wife-to-be Holly Ramsay felt they had no choice but to speak out, saying they felt “targeted” and “hurt” by the drama.

But there was one part of the couple’s statement that struck me the most – Adam’s repeated mentions of his sister Bethany, seemingly the one family member he is still talking to – who he mentioned even before his future wife. Now, I can reveal the truth behind their close bond, the real reason they are sticking together and how Bethany is also now estranged from their mum.

The statement was the latest twist in the ongoing drama surrounding the Olympian, 30, and his family – making it very clear just how divided camp Peaty really is. 

Interestingly, it was Bethany, 32, that Adam mentioned first when discussing the pain his family were suffering.

Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings tells us: “The mention of his sister Bethany in a positive light is a small lighthouse of loyalty in a storm of familial conflict.”

His sister has had her head turned by all the glitz and glamour.

family friend

At this point, Bethany is the only family member who is still going to Adam and Holly’s upcoming nuptials next month – after they disinvited his mother and others in the group took a stand. 

In fact, she’s so close to Adam and Holly that she has been asked to be a bridesmaid and was front and centre at the hen do – rubbing shoulders with Victoria Beckham.

A friend close to the family told us: “Bethany has always been very close to Adam and she is really taken with the celebrity lifestyle.

“She’s had her head turned by all the glitz and glamour. She was over the moon to be at the hen party, hanging out with Victoria Beckham and couldn’t wait to tell all her friends about it.

“She really fits in with the glam world – she’s blonde and very pretty.

“She got on with Holly straight away and has been asked to be a bridesmaid.”

The siblings grew up in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, but Adam now spends much of his time travelling or in London. Bethany, who now lives in Derby, is thought to spend time with both him and Holly whenever they are back in the UK.

It’s no secret just how much Adam’s life has changed since he became such an acclaimed swimmer – and is now set to marry a woman whose dad is worth £200million.

In contrast, Adam’s working-class family are living the same lives they always have – while he is said to have become “seduced by the fame and glamour of the Ramsays”, which those close to the star tell me Bethany has also now fallen for. 

In his 2021 autobiography The Gladiator Mindset, he openly addressed how it’s all impacted his relationships.

He wrote: “Some of the closest people to me take it personally and despite my reassurances that I really do care, they think that I’ve changed through success and as a result I am ashamed of them and that I should spend more time with them.”

But as well as enjoying the flashiness of Adam and Holly’s life, Bethany and Adam have something else in common – being young parents.

Our insider said: “She’s also a young mum so has really bonded with Adam since he became a dad. It’s made them closer than ever.”

News of the Peaty family rift has sent shockwaves through the showbiz world, but we can reveal it’s not the first time they have all fallen out.

We are told that like in all families they have had ups and downs over the years, but there was one huge row years ago that started it all. 

ADAM’S TOUGH LOVE

They continued: “Adam was always close to his two brothers as well, particularly James, 34, but something happened a number of years ago, which sparked the first fallout.

“Their mum Caroline sides with James, because he has his struggles – his ADHD and mental health problems – and she felt he needed support.

“Caroline feels James is the weaker one and is looking after him right now.

“She felt that Adam was being too tough on his older brother, he can be a real sportsman at times and gives tough love.”

Adam himself admitted in the past that he can lack ’empathy’ and branded himself a ‘selfish athlete’.

The family friend said: “There have been a number of fallouts over the years, and they often fall in and out with each other, but this time feels different.”

And things are now so bad that mum-of-two Bethany is in the same boat as Adam and has been ostracised from the rest of the family – which explains why he has taken her under his wing so much. 

They added: “Caroline is now not talking to Bethany. It’s very sad because it means she’s not seeing the children either. 

“They all feel it’s gone too far now, and they won’t be able to make things up any time soon – let alone within time for the wedding.”

In Adam’s statement he accused his family of “encouraging” false claims about him and his fiancée.

It reads: “Over the past few days, a lot has been reported and comments posted about the private life of Holly and myself.

“My sister Bethany, has also been targeted. This has been almost entirely one-sided and, in many cases, excessive and intrusive. It has been deeply hurtful and upsetting to read, especially given the false basis upon which we have been targeted.

“What makes it worse is that it has been encouraged by members of my family.”

The swimming champion assured fans there were two sides to the story and insisted he only has good intentions.

He continued: “Bethany, Holly and myself cannot go into detail given an ongoing police investigation into serious matters that arose long before recent events.

“For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place. I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times.

“Bethany, Holly and I will get through this – we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you. It is deeply appreciated.”

‘STABILISING THE NARRATIVE’

Behavioural/media psychologist Jo has analysed the statement and believes he is making a clear point with his choice of words.

She explained: “By calling out Bethany positively, Adam is signalling that she occupies a safe harbour in a turbulent sea. He’s saying: ‘Here is someone I still trust, someone on my side, someone whose presence matters to me.’

“In the turmoil of exclusion, perceived betrayal and hurt feelings, naming one person as being on his side helps to stabilise the narrative for him – and for us as observers.

“The fact that only Bethany appears singled out for praise suggests a selective boundary-setting. It appears he is differentiating between ‘us’ and ‘them’ in his family sphere – Bethany is part of his chosen ‘us’ whereas others are very much in the ‘them’ category, including his outspoken mother and aunt.

“In publicly acknowledging Bethany, Adam may also be signalling a hope (or at least an intention) for reconciliation, but on his terms. He may be saying: ‘We will – at least – stay connected at this sibling level, even if other layers of the family relationship are fractured’. It shows that despite the rift, there is at least one relationship bridge he is keeping intact.”

She went on to discuss the impacts of weddings on family dynamics, saying: “Weddings, especially high-profile ones, often precipitate identity shifts: you take on your partner’s family, you step into new social circles, you leave things behind. 

“By praising his sister and by positioning her as part of his inner circle, Adam is implicitly affirming: ‘I’m still anchored in my roots.’ In doing so, he signals to himself and to others that even as his life changes (new partner, new family-in-law, maybe new social position), he hasn’t entirely left behind who he is or where he comes from.

“The mention of Bethany is a soft way of acknowledging that there is hurt, that there is estrangement, that there is a dividing line being drawn. By choosing to publicly show gratitude to one family member, he implicitly reveals that others are excluded or wounded – without naming them or going into all the gritty detail. It’s a controlled way of saying ‘this family situation is fractured’ but with focus on who remains.”

Adam’s aunt Louise previously branded his fiancée Holly “divisive and hurtful” in a bitter online rant after her sister Caroline wasn’t invited to her hen do at Soho Farmhouse, which of course Bethany attended.

Caroline was later banned from the couple’s wedding at Bath Abbey next month.

NO WAY BACK

In a heartbreaking interview, Caroline said she has reached rock bottom over the family feud, which has seen Adam pull closer to the Ramsays.

Worried Holly called the police last weekend while Adam was on his stag do in Budapest over concerns he could be assaulted by his brother James when he got back to the UK.

Adam was escorted by five police officers through passport control upon touching down in the UK. His brother was later arrested at his Staffordshire home.

His father Mark previously told The Sun that the feud had spiralled out of control.

He said: “They’re brothers.

“They’ve always been close but like any normal family, brothers fight, argue, fall out, make-up and start all over again. But it’s got out of hand.

“There’s been very little empathy towards Jamie’s genuine mental health difficulties.”

Over the years Adam, who is heavily religious, has written extensively about his alcoholism and mental health problems, so knows more than anyone what it’s like to go through a hard time.

He has certainly changed a lot from the boy who first hit headlines all those years ago – and as his statement suggests – his sister, his partner and their future are his priority. And at the moment there is no room for anyone else. 

SITTING in her car outside the hospital, Talia Oatway looks exhausted – her son Oakley is once again being treated, and this time the news is more terrifying than ever before.

The single mum-of-four and ex-partner of Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers may be drained, but as she tells The Sun all about her three-year-old’s diagnosis, she appears determined and ready to fight for his life.

Little Oakley was born with Apert syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones. At just three years old, he’s already been put under general anaesthetics 19 times, and last week, devastated Talia, 31, was told there is yet another issue he has to contend with – and this time it’s life-threatening hydrocephalus. 

Last year, Oakley ended up in a coma after complications during a planned operation on his skull. While initially, Talia expected him to be in hospital for five days, she ended up uprooting her life for seven weeks to be by his side.

Oakley has been living with just half his skull since then, after surgeons deemed it too dangerous to try to replace it.

Once they finally returned home, Talia soon realised something wasn’t right, but she wasn’t prepared for just how hard everything was about to become.

You don’t understand the pressure I’m under. At home, even when he’s well, you’re still looking for signs, thinking, ‘Is something going to happen?’

Talia on being a medical mum

She explains: “Since that admission, we’ve been back and forth with hospitals and coming to A&E because he kept vomiting non-stop to the point where he was getting too dehydrated and needed a drip. 

“Then he got diagnosed with something called CVS – cyclic vomiting syndrome. He gets migraines, then he starts projectile vomiting. And that was because he got meningitis last year. It triggered a neurological condition.”

Oakley was given medication, but wasn’t responding – concerned doctors rushed him in for a CT scan, where they discovered he had a condition called hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid on the brain. 

Talia tells The Sun: “The CT scan also showed that he had a bit of brain damage at the front of the brain from the meningitis last year.

“It also showed that his forehead they’d rebuilt was absorbing a percentage of the bone.

“So he’s actually got less bone from last year when they removed part of it because his body was absorbing part of it because of the fluid.”

Doctors have now fitted a shunt in Oakley’s brain to drain the fluid, and he is being monitored in hospital to see how his body will react.

Fighting back tears, Talia says: “There’s a lot of stress around being vigilant with Oakley’s care, acting on instinct, acting on signs that he shows.

“But Oakley’s non-verbal. So it’s not as if he can say, ‘I’ve got a headache and I’m about to be sick’, or, ‘I feel dizzy’.

“The two conditions he’s got are exactly the same symptoms. However, one of them can be life-threatening if it’s not treated when it needs to be treated.”

Talia, who has made a name for herself online as a ‘medical mum’ influencer, has taken a step back from social media as she comes to terms with the latest development.

‘I don’t like to air dirty laundry’

She first became known when she started dating Geordie Shore star Aaron in 2017.

The pair had a whirlwind romance and welcomed three children in quick succession –  Romeo, five, Maddox, four, and Oakley.

Speaking about the start of their relationship, she reveals:  “We always wanted a big family. This sounds really cringe, but I love being a mum.

“I love being pregnant. I loved having the babies and the routine and the whole mum thing. I absolutely loved that. And I still love it.”

During her pregnancy with Oakley, doctors flagged that there could be an issue – she had two MRIs but was discharged from foetal medicine and was told everything was fine.

She says: “So when Oakley was born, obviously it was a shock.”

Asked when the true extent of his issues dawned on her, Talia says: “I don’t think it truly hit me until Oakley was about three months old when he was bouncing in and out of hospital.”

The pressure became too much, and Aaron made the decision that the relationship was over.

Asked about their split, she says: “I think the pressures of what comes with being a medical family, your priorities change. And the pressures that come with it are a lot. Speaking with other medical families, it takes a very, very strong couple to survive a relationship.

“Trauma, as in what your child goes through, the constant hospital stays, all of that sort of stuff… that’s just the way it went.”

Since their split, Aaron has hit out at Talia on a number of occasions, but she has mostly kept a dignified silence.

Last week, though, things reached boiling point, with the struggling mum admitting: “I do solo parent two of my children. Oakley’s here every single night, he has been for over a year, and the fact that this person can just go online and start talking about his medical care when he doesn’t attend any appointments, doesn’t attend hospital, is mind-blowing.” 

But having time to calm down, she adds: “I don’t like to air dirty laundry. I think my kids will grow up, and once things are on the internet, they will stay on the internet, and I’ve always been mindful of that.”

‘I got dealt these cards’

Asked how she is coping with it all, Talia explains: “I’ve had no option but to just put my big girl pants on and learn for my son.

“I got dealt these cards and I’ve got to deal with it and make sure my son’s always being cared for, always safe.

“I’m his advocate because he doesn’t speak. I say all the time, you don’t understand the pressure I’m under. At home, even when he’s well, you’re still looking for signs, thinking, ‘Is something going to happen?’, you’re waiting for the next thing.”

Oakley sleeps with the help of ventilation at home and uses oxygen when he’s unwell – he has a tube in his nose, which is seven centimetres long, to keep his airway open. Talia explains: “If that tube comes out, you’ve got to straightaway put that back in because that’s his breathing support.”

Talia is full of praise for the NHS, as well as Oakley’s lead respiratory consultant, who she describes as “amazing”.

She’s also seeing a psychologist once a week to help her process what is going on.

Talia won’t let herself think about a worst-case scenario.

Looking to the future, the mum is cautious and tells me: “I just want things to calm down for him. Have some time at home without hospital admissions, and enjoy being a child.

“I feel like he’s not really had that time to have that, because it has been quite a lot of hospital admissions – whether that’s an operation, a CT scan, lumbar drains, he’s had a lot of things done to him.”

In the meantime, Talia is enjoying the special little moments with her boy – and despite him being non-verbal, he has developed his own form of communication.

She says: “Affection is not very much at the moment because he’s also got a global developmental delay as well. But like I can say, ‘OK, can I have a kiss? Can I have a kiss?’

“Because he wears hearing aids, too, he still can hear a little bit. And he will give me a kiss, or I say, I’ll cuddle, and then I’ll pick him up, and he knows.

“It makes me appreciate things a lot more when he does do it, because it isn’t often.”

As the interview comes to an end, Talia heads back inside the hospital, and it’s clear that behind the social media persona is an incredibly strong, brave and caring woman doing it all on her own.

SQUEALING on camera last week, TikTok star Yasmin Hadfield couldn’t wait to tell her followers she had a coveted invitation to the opening of the Sephora store in Wales.

After months of controversies followed by a devastating miscarriage, what should have been a happy moment for the influencer mum, 32, quickly turned sour as former fans accused her of faking her involvement with the brand. Here we take a look at what went wrong for Yaz – plus the truth behind THAT controversial invite.

Our insider said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult few months for Yaz – she has battled addiction and had a tragic miscarriage, which she has really struggled to come to terms with.

“That all happened only months after she had overcome not just one but two cheating scandals, which really saw a lot of the internet turn on her.”

The invitation to Sephora opening was a real turning point for her, she felt she was finally being accepted back into the fold of TikTok fame.

But things quickly turned sour, and she was mercilessly mocked when people claimed she had pretended to be invited to the event in Wales. We can reveal she was invited to the opening – but just not by Sephora. 

It’s certainly not been trouble free and at times things have become very murky for the girls.

Insider

Yaz was taken to the event by the marketing team Capsule, who work with a variety of brands, including luxury skincare line Mario Badesco.

She attended alongside her best friend Chloe Birdsall, who has told us what really happened that day.

Chloe explained: “It was so lovely, we got a little lesson about the brand and all the products from their rep, who invited us to the spa in New York which apparently Martha Stewart loves.”

She says the backlash towards Yaz “broke her heart”, adding: “ I think people online got confused by a “collab” and a PR invite? They’re not the same thing. 

“Loads of lovely people got photos with Yaz and it was so lovely after the horrid few years she’s had, seeing her in her element.”

Chloe added: “She would do anything for anyone; she has a heart of gold. We all make mistakes and life tests us but she’s held to a different standard online. It’s horrid to see.”

Yaz lives in Wales and is married to Lee Hadfield – they have a son called Wolf. Eden is married to Lloyd, and they share a son called Sonny. On screen, they had the picture-perfect families. 

Drink and drug addiction

Behind closed doors, something much darker was going on – Yaz was secretly battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Today, she is nine months sober, but at one point, there were fears that addiction could take over her life. Her dad, from Tunbridge Wells, stepped in last Christmas and told her it was time to take action.

Recalling that moment, she explained: “I was just like, right, Yasmin, you literally have one more chance at this beautiful life you and Lee have built. You either take it or you just continue on the path you were on.

“My dad was the only person who could get through to me on Christmas night and he spoke to Lee.”

She credits Lee as helping to ‘put her back together’, and admits she considered wiping her online history – riddled with embarrassment and shame about her dishonesty for all those years.

She said: “I could have so easily removed all the content from the last few years and started from scratch. And not allow people to go back through fishing and trying to look where they can see me a bit bug-eyed or where they can see me looking a bit worse for wear. But I don’t want that. I want to be real.”

She suffered heartache a few months ago when she discovered she had miscarried – leaving her in a state of disbelief and although she shared what was going on with her followers online, Yaz took a real step back.

Yaz and her sisters Eden, 27, and sister Freya are not new to the internet – they’ve been making content for years and have over three million followers between them, but it’s been far from easy.

Shocking claim rocks the family

Our insider said: “Almost straight away, Eden was subjected to backlash and trolling. She was rapidly gaining followers, and while she had millions of fans, there were, of course, some people who picked fault with everything she said or did.

“It’s not been much better for her sisters, and all three of them have come offline at various points to reevaluate their careers.

“Yaz has been painted as a homewrecker, while Eden has dealt with allegations of being a predator. It’s certainly not been trouble-free, and at times things have become very murky for the girls.”

The online barrage was nothing new to Yaz – having been through it all before with her sisters.

Yaz can’t escape Eden’s comments and often feels like she spends a lot of time and energy defending her.

Insider

The first major controversy came when Eden made an off-the-cuff remark about ‘fancying’ a young boy in a play. 

In a video, she said: “The lead was 10 and I fancied him. I’m not ashamed.”

She said she was 18 at the time, and her comment went viral, sparking the first attempt to cancel her for being a ‘predator’. 

Eden later backtracked and apologised, insisting she hadn’t meant what she said. In one of her many apology videos, she said: “To have to say those words is absolutely disgusting. But this is the bed I laid for myself.”

Soon, people picked up on every wrong move she made – and there were a number of instances when she left viewers gobsmacked when she made risky comments in front of kids, which many felt were inappropriate.

Our insider said: “The whole thing caused such a drama and keeps coming back to haunt them both. Yaz can’t escape Eden’s comments and often feels like she spends a lot of time and energy defending her.”

VERY close with her brother-in-law

More recently, wild rumours spread that Yaz was in love with Eden’s husband Lloyd.

Our insider said: “Lots of people think the relationship Yaz has with Lloyd is weird, and they can’t understand how they could be so close.”

She has fueled the speculation, admitting she is indeed obsessed with him.

Yaz told Eden in one video: “I was obsessed with Lloyd. I was honestly obsessed with Lloyd from the second I met him, wasn’t I? 

“I have always loved him. Always will love him. Not having an affair with him, but do have an abnormal obsession with Lloyd.”

Eden became so enraged by the constant comments, she hit out in a fiery video online, but insiders have told us the constant speculation is, in fact welcomed by the girls.

They said: “There is the idea that Eden and Yaz say things they know could get them cancelled because it leads to lots of engagement.  TikTok is their job, so they do need to make money and stay relevant, and this is a great way to get people talking.”

Yaz was caught up in another scandal when an Instagram user accused her of sleeping with her husband while she slept upstairs with their baby.

She fiercely denied the ‘vile’ claims and said she was most upset about being branded a bad mum amid all the drama. 

If anything, Yaz and Eden are hyper-aware when it comes to their children, and despite sharing their lives on camera, Eden will not reveal her little boy’s face.

They are aware of the damage their jobs could cause to their little boys, Yaz previously said: “I think the internet’s got enough damage towards my little boy that he’s going to see one day. It’s all my fault.”

She added: “I’ll be hiding an iPhone from him until he’s 60.”

It’s easy to forget amid all the mess, the good the pair have done – Eden’s videos during the pandemic, where she sat and ate food while chatting to the camera, were lauded, and now Yaz’s sobriety journey has inspired others.

But can they avoid any more drama? Only time will tell – and as they’ve learnt only too well, the internet never forgets. 

AFTER 26 years heading up The Sun’s travel team – while bringing up three children – there’s not a lot I don’t know about family holidays.

After hundreds of trips together, I’m sharing my guaranteed winners – from our favourite campsites to the best foreign cruises.

With three kids, I’ve had the same problems as anyone who doesn’t fit the ‘two adults, two kids’ rule that most traditional travel companies work within.

Finding ways around booking two separate rooms – or being in group rooms where us parents have to go to bed at 7pm with the babies – became a mission.

So here are my top tips for the best family holiday destinations where everyone gets to have a good time.

PORT AVENTURA

This fabulous theme park resort on Spain’s Costa Dorada offers up the best of all worlds for families.

You get the fun and excitement of thrill rides across six distinct worlds, plus great themed hotels and, of course, all that sizzling Mediterranean sunshine to enjoy.

There’s also a separate Ferrari World and a water park with 50,000sq metres of pools, lazy rivers, slides and rides, including King Khajuna, one of Europe’s tallest free-fall body slides.

The six on-site hotels are also themed and have a huge variety of rooms that sleep up to eight, ideal for big families.

And with a host of very well-priced restaurants in the park and at the hotels, it really is possible to have a traditional family summer holiday with the added benefit of all that theme park excitement.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the Mexican-themed Hotel El Paso, including unlimited access to PortAventura park and a day pass for Ferrari Land, is from £429pp, based on two adults and two children sharing.

Price includes flights from Southend Airport on April 21, 2026. See easyJet.com/en/holidays.

EUROPEAN CAMPING

WITH three kids and a limited budget when they were young, camping specialists like Eurocamp and Siblu were the answer to our prayers. 

With mobile homes, tents and even treehouses sleeping up to eight at campsites across Europe, we loaded the kids and as much luggage as we could squeeze into the car and drove south for guaranteed sunshine.

You can even break up the long journey with overnight camping stays en route.

A roof-box meant I could pack all the essentials from food and drinks, bedding and towels, to inflatables and toys, so we weren’t shelling out on holiday.

When we were young, having our own space was just perfect. We could wear the kids out by day in the park’s pools and on nearby beaches, and when they were tucked up in bed, we could relax with a glass of wine or beer on the verandah.

Favourites included Eurocamp’s La Baume on the French Riviera near Frejus with a huge pool complex and easy access to the glitzy towns of St Tropez and Cannes.

Also, a winner was Siblu’s Le Lac des Reves near Montpellier.

We always preferred heading south for the warmer weather, but other favourites for half-term holidays include Duinrell in South Holland, which comes with its own theme park and water park and La Croix de Vieux Pont, Berny Riviere, just an hour from Disneyland Paris and Park Asterix.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering for up to six at Eurocamp’s La Baume is from £464 in total, arriving May 23, 2026. See eurocamp.co.uk. Seven nights’ self-catering at Siblu’s Lac des Reves is from £294 in total, arriving May 23, 2026. See siblu.co.uk

ALTON TOWERS

Of course, no list of fabulous family holidays would be complete without the UK’s number one theme park. I love the fact that Alton Towers has something for every age.

The little ones will adore CBeebies land – watch out for the UK’s first Bluey ride coming in 2026. 

All ages will love the fantastic water park between the Alton Towers and Splash Landings hotels, while tweens and teens will go straight for the thrill rides. 

And mum? Well, I just love a stroll through the stunning grounds with quiet, landscaped gardens and tranquil lakes – they make you forget you’re even in a theme park!

For families like mine, the huge variety of accommodation makes stays a breeze.

Rooms at the hotels – including CBeebies Land Hotel – can sleep up to five with a double bed, bunk beds and a pull-out truckle bed. All have great theming that will keep the kids entertained.

The Woodland lodges are also great for larger families or those who want to bring the grandparents or team up with friends. To really push the boat out, the whimsical Treehouses sleep up to eight and come with their own hot tub.

But my favourite probably remains the original Alton Towers Hotel, with its epic Explorers theme that sees a magical balloon ship anchor the bar and restaurant space, giving parents the chance to relax with a drink while the kids are entertained.

GO: Overnight breaks at Alton Towers start from £42pp and include room, breakfast, parking and evening entertainment. See altontowers.com.

DISNEY CRUISE LINES

IT’S fair to say no one does family cruises quite like Disney  – and Sun readers agree, voting them their favourite cruise line in our Sun Travel Awards.

I’ve sailed with my kids on Disney Wonder, one of the line’s original ships, and this was definitely a treat for both adults and children.

I loved the Art Deco vibes and the fact that the ship was first and foremost a beautiful, luxury ship with plenty of places to enjoy adult-only time.

The kids could not get enough of the fabulous kids’ facilities – it was hard to drag them away from the clubs – and endless opportunities to meet their favourite characters.

While cruising with Disney could never be seen as a cheap option, for those who want to experience the magic without the theme park slog, it is definitely worth every penny.

The latest Disney ship to set sail will be the Disney Destiny. As the cruise line has grown ever more popular, it has grown more confident in making its incredible entertainment legacy a bigger part of the ship. 

With Destiny, there’s a fabulous Heroes and Villains theme alongside the chance to enjoy some West End-style entertainment and even a water coaster across the top deck that pays tribute to some of its most feared baddies. 

Combining a three or four-night sailing on any of Disney’s ships with a stay in Orlando must surely be the ultimate family bucket list holiday.

And with the Disney Dream returning for multiple sailings from Southampton next year, there’s the chance to get on board for all the magic without the pricey flights.

GO: Three-night full-board sailings from Southampton from £881pp with iglucruise.com. Or sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas with three nights from £1,044pp. See https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/en-gb/

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

ROYAL Caribbean was the first cruise we did as a family when my youngest was just 18 months old, and from then on, we were hooked on life on the open sea.

As my kids have grown, so has Royal’s incredible roster of family-friendly ships. And with the launch of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, last year, they reached peak family fun. 

The new Surfside neighbourhood is a game-changer for parents with small children, a stay-all-day area with Splashaway Bay aqua park, and Water’s Edge, a kid-friendly infinity pool.

And parents can relax while their kids play with casual family-friendly dining and places to grab a drink.

The area features a beach-themed carousel, arcade and playground and it’s close to the ship’s superb Adventure Ocean kids clubs.

Older kids will love Thrill Island, the largest water park at sea, with a host of slides as well as Crown’s Edge, the hybrid ropes course and thrill ride that dangles you 154ft above the ocean.

And Royal have spent just as much time designing cabins that work for families, including the Surfside Family Suites, with balconies overlooking the neighbourhood and a ‘kids’ nook’ with bunk beds and a split bathroom to make getting ready easier.

Topping it off with multiple family-friendly shows and activities as well as their family-friendly private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal is the perfect starting point for family cruises.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board on Icon of the Seas is from £534pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. Departs Miami on September 19, 2026 and calls at St Maarten, St Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

BUTLIN’S MINEHEAD & BOGNOR

I don’t believe there’s a kid in the country who wouldn’t love the heady mix of family fun on offer at Butlin’s.

With live shows, perfect pools and even a traditional fairground, youngsters will find a host of great activities for all ages from tots to teens.

 We loved our stay at the West Lakes chalets at Butlin’s Minehead. Great for multi-gen holidays or for families sharing, the light, bright chalets sleep up to eight.

Working with online parenting forum Mumsnet, they have a nod to the traditional Butlin’s chalet, but with all the modern touches for today’s families.

There’s an open-plan lounge and diner with a high-spec kitchen as well as an outdoor veranda or Juliet balcony.

Also, fantastic value are the term-time midweeks for tots.

Perfect for the pre-schoolers, breaks start from just £39, which works out to £2.50pp a night, and include live shows with Peppa Pig and her new baby sister, Mister Maker and Fireman Sam, splash zones and soft play areas as well as unlimited rides in the Little Stars Fairground.

There’s also another reason to visit in term time, the chance to enjoy all-inclusive breaks that include alcoholic drinks, coffee and three meals a day.

GO: Four-night all-inclusive midweek breaks are from £399 for two adults and two children. See bultins.com

DUBAI

It may be known as a mecca for reality TV stars and influencers, but Dubai is actually a brilliant destination to take the kids.

With theme parks, desert adventures and even a snow slope to keep them busy, you’re guaranteed to find something to delight every age.

 A great option for families is the Centara Mirage Beach Resort with its five restaurants, beachfront pool, water park and kids clubs.

But little ones are also spoiled with their own sweet-themed spa with edible treatments, gaming zone and an outdoor playground.

My kids adored the chance to visit the original Kidzania attraction where kids can role-play 40 different jobs from firefighters and pilots to doctors and dentists.

But most magical was the trip into the desert, where after a thrilling 4×4 dune ride, we watched an amazing falconry display and enjoyed dinner after dark. 

GO: Four nights’ B&B at the Centara Mirage Beach Resort is from £717pp including flights from Heathrow in June 2026. See onthebeach.co.uk

TUI VILLAGE TURKEY

A holiday where you don’t have to set foot outside the hotel – heaven or hell? In the case of  TUI’s flagship Holiday Village AQI hotel in Sarigerme, Turkey – pure bliss.

The huge resort on the country’s west coast has everything from  Stage Academy drama classes, Football Academies and a Go Ape-style high-ropes course, to overwater, inflatable obstacle courses, chocolate parties and archery. 

Then there’s the massive amphitheatre with a packed nighttime itinerary, video arcade, bowling alley and seven pools  – including a mini waterpark. 

Little wonder the hotel’s own sandy beach, with bath-warm sea water was empty most days. 

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for and lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge 40-dish mezze selection.

But the best meal was dinner, with themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings. Plus a separate kitchen for kid-friendly (and often healthy) food. 

And finally, the almost guaranteed sun.

With prices from £673pp next May, including all-inclusive board, a family room and flights from London Gatwick. 

BILLUND, DENMARK

An action-packed weekend break just over an hour from the UK, with creativity, wildlife and thrill-seeking all wrapped in sounds like a unicorn of a holiday – but Billund in Denmark truly is the perfect family short break. 

The town Lego built, carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen invented the famous building bricks in the 1940s from his workshop in the town, and many of the global company’s offices are still there.

Yes, the two million annual visitors usually go there for the awesome Legoland and Lego House – easily two full days of building and rollercoaster fun. 

But there’s also Aquadome, Scandinavia’s biggest waterpark, and Wow Park (tickets from £26.50), a huge treetop adventure in woodland spanning the size of 40 football pitches.

The town is so small that almost everything is walkable, it’s super clean and practically designed with families in mind. 

Plus the flights take just 1 hour and 35 minutes currently from London Gatwick, and 1hour and 41minutes from Edinburgh to Billund on the newest flight route launching next year. 

HUNTERS LODGES, CELTIC MANOR

IF it’s good enough for American presidents, it’s good enough for the kids!

My lot thought they had hit the big time when we stayed at the gorgeous Hunters Lodges at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

This is top-tier self-catering accommodation with each lodge sleeping up to eight in four stylish en-suite bedrooms.

There’s a vast open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room with vaulted ceilings and a wall of glass looking out onto open countryside. The outdoor hot tub was used constantly by both adults and kids.

A great option for kids as they get a bit older, the resort itself has some fantastic outdoor adventure activities, including adventure golf, laser combat, ropes courses and archery as well as a large adventure playground.

Explore the 2,000-acre estate’s family-friendly woodland trails on a free, self-guided treasure hunt.

When rain stops play, there’s swimming in the resort’s two health clubs as well as a games room and indoor play area.

The resort can offer babysitting services and a day nursery as well as kids’ clubs in the peak summer holidays, allowing parents time to enjoy the championship golf courses or spas.

GO: Two-night stays in a Hunters Lodge start from £636per lodge, for up to eight adults plus two additional children, including a round of Adventure Golf and 25per cent off all indoor and outdoor activities. See hunter-lodges.com.

MY fearless six-year-old son, Alex, giggled as a large Asian brown owl landed on his gloved arm, just inches away from his face.

Neeka is so used to mingling with guests who visit the birds of prey aviary that she happily sat there for a few seconds, slowly twisting her neck, taking in the view.

And who can blame her, when the view is as stunning as this?

We were staying on the stunning Swinton Estate, set in the Yorkshire Dales within an incredible 20,000 acres of sprawling land made up of villages, farms and moorland.

At the centre of this is the Downton Abbey-style, ivy-clad ancestral stately home of Lord and Lady Masham which has been turned into a luxury hotel with 42 suites and bedrooms.

Despite its grandeur, I discovered it to be one of the most down to earth — and definitely the most child-friendly — places I’ve ever stayed in the UK.

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COME INN

The pretty English market town home to one of the weirdest hotels in the UK

What’s more, visitors are on the doorstep of explorable market towns, as well as just a 10-minute drive from historic Jervaulx Abbey (one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful historic sites) and 20 minutes from Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, home to mini rollercoasters, giant swings and a crazy golf course.

That’s if you can find the time to leave the estate.

Swinton has even more activities than overcrowded tourist traps such as Center Parcs — with comparable prices.

During our short stay, we enjoyed treasure hunts, children’s cookery courses, fishing, archery, escape rooms and cycling.

There are complimentary meditation classes, tea tasting, clay pigeon shooting, history tours, movie nights and a birds of prey show.

Falconer Mandy explained that most of the owls, hawks and falcons on site were hand reared.

They even go on “walks” through the estate, high above your head.

And what a great place for a stroll, it is. Our dog Layla certainly agreed.

Unlike many hotels, Layla wasn’t just tolerated here, she was adored.

She walked alongside us as we explored some of the 63 miles of footpaths as well as the play area, wild swimming lake, shop and the Country Club.

She even plodded into the reception with me while I booked an amazing £50 back, neck and shoulder massage.

Although, I did leave her with the others when it came to enjoying my treatment.

This meant I could take full advantage of the amenities, which include thermal suites, a heavenly relaxation room and two pools, both of which have select adults-only times so the grown-ups can properly de-stress.

OLD-WORLD CHARM

Even those with kids can get their downtime thanks to the on-site babysitting service, available from £15 an hour.

The Estate itself is a charming mix of contemporary design blended with grand antiques and historical paintings of the family that once owned it.

This old-world charm continues into the bedrooms and suites too.

Our room featured high ceilings and large low windows where Alex and Layla sat together watching the deer roam freely in the fields.

Every tiny detail has been considered here.

There were coats and umbrellas to borrow, dog biscuits, a teddy bear on the bed and soft, squishy towels and dressing gowns.

While Alex was grateful for the bowl of apples and pile of shortbread biscuits left on the side, I was more appreciative of the smart coffee machine and the Estate’s home-made sloe whisky.

Whisky is just one of many things that comes from the grounds.

Pretty much everything from vegetables and meat to herbs and fruit does, too.

I am a sucker for a good brekkie and thanks to the outstanding estate sausages, this was undoubtedly my favourite meal of the stay.

A freshly-cooked plate of breakfast goodies also helped to ease my slightly sore head after the excellent mixologists rustled me up one too many spicy margaritas the night before.

You don’t need to be an overnight guest to visit the Estate.

Those popping in during the winter months can experience a new winter light trail which will lead them through a sparkling woodland and around the pretty lakes — tickets are from £7.50 per child, while those under five go free.

If you do fancy checking in for the evening, however, now is the time to book.

On selected dates this winter, you can bag a suite with breakfast and a bottle of house wine for £275 in total.

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I am from Yorkshire originally, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually received such a Yorkshire welcome as I did here.

Even Neeka the owl was happy to see us.

MONDAY night is DJ night at Hotel Ibiza and the bar/lounge area is filled with ambient house tunes as pink neon lights flash in time with the beat.

But despite the name of the place, we’re nowhere near the Balearic Island.

We’re in Les Deux Alpes in France, one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, and the terrace outside looks across to the glistening peaks of the Parc National des Ecrins. 

It’s the week before Christmas and a group of us have brought our teenagers for some festive fun on the slopes.

They’re not yet old enough to venture out alone into the resort’s bars and clubs, but they’re still keen to do their own thing so the entertainment here is ticking all the teen boxes.

While we sit a­t the bar, chatting with barman Costas as he expertly mixes our pre-dinner drinks, the kids have gone downstairs again for another game of air hockey.

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The huge basement games room, which also has ping-pong, table football, arcade games and a dozen or so sofas to laze on, is proving to be a big hit.

But it’s dinner time and I know the restaurant buffet will easily tempt away Freddie, our 15-year-old, because it is serving lasagne — his favourite dish — among a host of other options.

Like most teenage boys, Freddie is a big eater and as I watch him tuck into his third portion I feel relieved that we went for the all-inclusive option.

Feeding a growing lad is expensive at the best of times but particularly so in a ski resort.

Luckily, the Hotel Ibiza offers a super deal throughout the winter season, with kids under 18 staying free when sharing a room with their parents at the same board.

You can go for B&B or half- board, but families usually make the most of the kids-go-free offer and splash out on all-inclusive.

It makes sense, especially when you factor in the drinks.

Soft drinks, wine and beer with meals, and a selection of spirits for pre- and post-dinner drinks are part of the deal, and Costas keeps them coming, along with bowls of peanuts and tortilla chips, until 10pm.

After that, you can carry on drinking at your own expense, but you’ll probably want to be tucked up in bed by then, exhausted by a day’s activity in the mountain air. 

It was early in the season but already the snow conditions were good.

The sun was shining (Les Deux Alpes boasts above-average sunshine too) and with heavy snow and white-outs forecast for later in the week, we were making the most of the blue skies. 

We loved the Jandri Express, the resort’s sparkling new state-of-the-art cable car that whizzes you up to 3,200m in just 17 minutes, half the time the old gondola took.

It takes up to 32 people at a time — 24 seated and eight standing — and gives you plenty of time to adjust boots or have a snack.

One morning we joined First Tracks, where you accompany the Ski Patrollers, who prepare the slopes daily, spending two hours learning about what is involved.

It costs €22 (£19.40) per person, including breakfast at La Toura Restaurant, and can be booked through the tourist office.

Best of all, it means you get to go up before the lifts open to the public and can be the first to ski down.

With freshly-groomed slopes to ourselves, it’s when we got our best photos.

We also tried yoonering — a bit like sledging but on a seat 20cm above the ground, with your legs stretched out in front to act as brakes, gliding down and leaning left or right to turn. It was easy to get the hang of it and went surprisingly fast.

We all loved it. 

‘QUIRKY AND FUN’

On a few evenings we stopped off for a beer or a vin chaud at one of the bars near the bottom of the Jandri, but most nights we got straight on the free shuttle bus for the five-minute hop home and did our après ski back at the hotel bar/lounge, enticed by the all- inclusive drinks and the chilled out, family-friendly vibe.

The hotel’s decor somehow manages to make it cosy and cool at the same time.

There’s a retro, musical theme, with prints of rock and pop legends along the corridors and coffee tables in the lounge, which double up as Monopoly boards or glass-topped exhibits of Barbies and Action Men.

It’s quirky and fun.

Our room, one of 60, was a two-bed family one, with balcony and bath.

Each room comes with bath robes and slippers for the walk down to the basement spa, with its sauna, steam room and indoor heated pool all free for guests.

The food was excellent for a three-star hotel, particularly the evening meals, when you could take a bowl and help yourself from the salad or soup bar, followed by an array of hot meat, fish and veggie dishes, plus a surprising amount of veggie sides, which is often lacking in ski hotels.

The desserts were so generous that even Freddie agreed to share.

After dinner we’d sink into the comfy lounge sofas en famille and play cards or games.

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One night after dinner, two of the younger children played Christmas songs on the grand piano and we all joined in — even the teens!

With only a few more years before they’ll probably be off skiing with their mates, it was a moment to be cherished.

SITTING in her ex-fiance’s car, Sydney Sweeney looked a far cry from her usual glamourous self as she screamed during a very heated row.

And now we can reveal that the secret meeting with Jonathan Davino sparked a huge row with her new boyfriend Scooter Braun, who was left feeling “furious” and “disrespected” – and the fallout could have grave consequences.

The 28-year-old Hollywood star had been enjoying dinner with friends and her ex in Santa Monica over the weekend when things appeared to turn sour.

She was later seen in Jonathan’s car and, according to reports from TMZ, she could be heard screaming and telling him: “I don’t believe you. Please leave, leave me alone.”

The unlikely scene raised eyebrows, even more so when just days later Sydney headed out for dinner again – this time with Scooter, putting on a united front after the pair held crisis talks.

“He’s made it clear that he wants her 100%, that she needs to compromise on some things, and that seeing her ex like that crossed a line.”

Scooter Braun insider

An insider close to the couple told us how Scooter, 44, made it clear to the actress that she had ‘crossed a line’.

They explained: “Scooter got really mad. He doesn’t like that kind of behaviour at all, especially knowing the history between her and Jonathan.

“He knows they had a serious relationship, were together for a long time, and even got engaged. So, seeing her with him again — and getting caught on camera getting into his car — really set him off.”

Scooter’s upset is said to stem from just how much he loves the Euphoria star, who we previously revealed he is planning to move in with.

The insider continued: “He’s not controlling, but he wants her to know that he truly cares about her and that his feelings are real.

“He’s deeply in love and serious about building a future together. Scooter’s a man with strong values and morals — and for him, it’s not acceptable for his partner to be seen with other men, especially exes.

“He thought what she did with Jonathan was disrespectful and not cool, and he didn’t want to stay silent about it.

“He was hurt and wanted her to know. What he wants is full transparency between them — and for her to be the same way, but also to act like someone who’s in a committed relationship, not single anymore.

“He’s made it clear that he wants her 100%, that she needs to compromise on some things, and that seeing her ex like that crossed a line.”

Scooter is said to be aware that, given their age difference, he could be considered “old fashioned”.

Our insider says he “does a lot” for the star, stating he’s “present, supportive, and fully committed”.

‘Public humiliation’

Sydney was due to marry businessman Jonathan, 41, earlier this year but called off their engagement after mounting speculation over the state of their relationship.

The pair met in 2018 and got engaged in February 2022.

At the time, the actress spoke at length about their wedding and future before things came to an end.

Our insider added: “It has to be a blow for Jonathan that she has moved on so publicly and seems really ready to settle down this time.

“He feels like he was a huge part of her career to start with, really building up her confidence but now she’s flying without him. It’s painful to see.”

At the time it was reported that they split so she could concentrate on her career.

“He thought what she did with Jonathan was disrespectful and not cool, and he didn’t want to stay silent about it.

Scooter Braun insider

She certainly did that – she’s currently promoting Christy – her new biopic about the female boxing trailblazer Christy Martin – and there’s already been some Oscar buzz round her role.

It hasn’t just been work and no play though… over the summer she was first linked to Scooter – the billionaire businessman and record executive who became public enemy number one for Swifties worldwide in 2019 after he bought pop megastar Taylor Swift’s master recordings.

They started dating back in August after being seen spending time together at Jeff Bezos’s wedding in Italy two months before.

In August they were seen together in public for the first time on a date after having dinner at Jon & Vinny’s restaurant in Los Angeles.

The romance has proved to be more than just a summer fling, and Scooter seems to have well and truly fallen for her charms, even after the public humiliation of her arguing with her ex.

Get the look: Expert tips to swoon like Sweeney

Looking to create that doe-eyed look at home? Here, pro make-up artist Sarah-Jane Froom shares her exclusive top tips on how to achieve Sydney’s signature eyes…

TOP TIPS

• Start with a good primer: This ensures the eye shadow stays in place all day and gives a smooth base for blending.
• Define the crease: Use warm, neutral shades such as soft browns or terracotta to add depth to the crease. This helps enhance the natural shape of the eye without it feeling too heavy.
• Smoky eyes: Sydney often favours a smoky eye, typically with dark eyeliner along the lash line. I recommend blending a dark brown or black shadow into the liner to soften it and create that sultry, lived-in look.
• Lashes are essential: To get Sydney’s eye-popping lashes, I always recommend a volumising mascara. For a more dramatic effect, you can add some natural-looking false lashes that provide length and lift, but without being too over-the-top.
• Highlight the inner corners: This little trick instantly brightens the eyes, making them look more awake and larger – perfect for achieving Sydney’s signature bright-eyed gaze.

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POSING in the exclusive £300-a-night Soho Farmhouse wearing a pair of £100 wellington boots, Elle Swift proudly showed off her latest brand – a collection of oversized tracksuits.

But what should have been a defining moment swiftly turned sour and sparked a huge backlash. It’s the latest scandal to engulf the 29-year-old star after she was accused of racism, her American dream collapsed, and both her and husband Connor’s dads’ prison stints came back to haunt them. Here, we take a look at the struggles Elle and Connor have faced along the way.

Three years ago, popular TikTok influencer Elle was close to losing it all when a series of highly offensive racist tweets she had written as a teenager re-emerged online – she was dropped by her management, lost over 100k followers and was forced to publicly apologise.

Elle and Connor – who she married that same year in 2022 – made the decision to relocate to America for a fresh start, but after just 12 months the pair returned to the UK, with their future very much up in the air.

Eight months on, Elle was finally ready to reveal her rebrand. And last weekend, after much teasing, she finally unveiled Our Good Sunday, her new clothing line and latest bid to secure fame and fortune.

She was once very down to earth and while people get she wants to be aspirational, it is in fact just unaffordable.

Insider on her launch

But almost immediately, a notably slimmed-down Elle was hit with criticism, with an insider telling us: “The launch of Our Good Sunday wasn’t as good as they had been hoping at all.”

Fans questioned the extortionate price point and a rival social media couple teased their own very similar product.

While she has waxed lyrical about the high quality materials used to make the clothes, the price tag is nothing short of eyewatering. 

A plain hoodie will set you back £66, the sweatshirt is £60, a t-shirt £40 and a tote back £45.

The aesthetic Elle is aiming for is clear – the luxury location she shot the collection in and the expensive clothing she’s used to accessorise it are a clear sign. 

But the move has left her fans feeling angry and alienated – with one person commenting: “I was hoping the prices would be a bit more affordable, as a parent myself I can’t afford this luxury.”

Another added: “Most women/Mums won’t be able to afford this. Such a shame. I really think you should review the prices.”

The insider explained: “People are very confused about the whole launch and are struggling to understand why she would be charging so much for simple clothes. She was once very down to earth and while people get she wants to be aspirational, it is in fact just unaffordable and pricing out her core audience.”

Further questions were raised when she initially told her followers there was limited stock – but days later said they had ordered lots of stock to ensure fans would be able to get their hands on it. Her fans speculated that she had been hoping to sell out, so backtracked over how much stock she had.

A representive from Elle’s legal team told us: “We are informed by Elle Swift that she is proud to launch Good Sunday. The first limited edition collection is made in small batches from certified organic fabrics in Portugal, reflecting Good Sunday’s commitment to ethical production and sustainable practices. Each piece is designed to be special, and once sold out, it won’t be restocked.”

RIVAL CLOTHING LAUNCH

Negative comments appeared to have been deleted and a week on – plenty of stock is still available despite Elle and Connor relentlessly plugging the brand and hinting there will be more than just tracksuits. 

And in a twist that the couple weren’t expecting – social media’s most famous couple, Alfie Deyes and Zoe Sugg used this weekend to tease their new brand, which rather unfortunately is called Dear Sunday.

Our insider said: “Zoe knows Elle well and actually stood by her when a lot of people didn’t. There is no way she knew that Elle was doing something so similar but it’s all very bad timing. At the end of the day Zoe and Alfie still have the ultimate pulling power.”

Those who have followed Elle for a while will know it’s not the first time she’s launched a clothing brand.

The social media star, who went by the name Elle Darby before she tied the knot, was initially known for posting vlogs about her trips to the gym, plus the usual make up tutorials and get ready with me videos.

She launched Angelle clothing in 2019 – it featured a range of tracksuits and tote bags and was affectionately named after her followers, who she refers to as angels. It was a huge hit.

I didn’t speak to my dad for an entire year when he was in prison because he was too emotional to speak on the phone to his kids.

Elle on her dad

But in 2022, she announced that the brand was taking a break and she wasn’t sure what its future would hold.

Elle married Connor earlier that year after the birth of their son Romeo.

They went on to have son Saint in 2023 and in December 2024 they welcomed daughter Honey Jane.

RACISIM SCANDAL

The break from Angelle came shortly after her horrifying racist comments, which she wrote when she was 15, circulated online. She has since apologised.

In March of last year the couple decided to start afresh in America and set up home in Houston. It ended up being an incredibly expensive relocation and after having her third child, Elle and Connor decided to move back home.

Our insider said: “The whole America move ended up being a bit of a disaster really and Elle really didn’t want to admit defeat.

“It cost them a lot to move out there but also life there was very pricey and at the end of the day they were homesick. It’s also a lot harder to be a stand out social media creator in a country with many established names.”

Since coming back to the UK, Elle has been inundated with comments about how ‘glowing’ she is and how happy she looks.

Fans also questioned how trim Ellie has been looking just months after giving birth, with one person commenting: “Girl we need a weight loss journey.”

Another added: “I can not get over your hair and your body transformation, mum goals and motivation.”

AMERICAN DREAM AND PRISON DADS

The move to America was tinged with sadness – her mum Deborah had passed away in 2020 and her dad – Giles – is prohibited from visiting the States, so it meant she would be completely isolated from her family. 

Elle’s love of America actually started when her dad – a multimillionaire banker – was convicted of fraud and extradited to the US,  in the wake of one of the biggest scandals in business history.

The family spent nearly two years in and out of court in the US and Elle has admitted she loved that time, saying her dad made it a ‘positive’ experience. 

Giles, along with Gary Mulgrew and David Bermingham, was one of the NatWest Three – a trio of British bankers convicted of fraud and sentenced to 37 months in separate American jails in 2002.

Elle – who is one of five girls – was 10 when her dad went to prison for two years but has insisted it didn’t affect her. 

The brave influencer explained: “I think surrounding issues caused a lot more impact on my childhood than him actually being a prison.

“I missed him, I didn’t speak to my dad for an entire year because he was too emotional to speak on the phone to his kids.”

Interestingly, Connor’s dad was also in prison – and was absent from the first two years of his life, even missing his birth. 

The insider said: “The fact that both Connor and Elle’s dads have been in prison was a bonding experience for them. It does however haunt them both and no matter how hard they try to portray a picture perfect image, it does hang over them.”

In 2020, Elle suffered more heartache when her mum Deborah passed away on Mother’s Day after battling a brain tumour for five years.

The moment changed her life forever and while she spoke about gratitude a fair bit before, it took on a whole different meaning to her.

As she remembered her mum this year, she told her followers: “Five years ago this week my entire life changed forever. I said goodbye to my mum and had a humbling life lesson that the things we ‘think’ matter.. just don’t. Here’s your reminder that if you’re lucky enough to have love, you have it all.”

Elle might have had a few hiccups along the way – and her latest launch might not have had the impact she hoped, but she’s determined to succeed. And despite everything, it looks like this time she might just.

The Sun has contacted Elle for comment.

THE Love Actually reunion no one saw coming just happened – and it’s still 49 days until Christmas.

My insiders tell me that stars of the seasonal rom-com Martine McCutcheon and Thomas Brodie-Sangster have signed up for Google Pixel’s new festive ad.

They filmed the top-secret project in London yesterday afternoon — 22 years after appearing opposite each other in the 2003 hit film.

A source said: “Nothing says Christmas like Love Actually, and so Google Pixel are bringing a sprinkling of it back to insert some nostalgia into the festive period.

“It’s still such a firm favourite with millions of people, so they tapped up Martine and Thomas for the sweet reunion.

“The ad is going to be packed full of throwbacks — especially because Thomas was only 13 when he was in Love Actually.

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“A whole street in London was transformed into a winter wonderland and Martine and Thomas were in great spirits.

“They’re really happy with how the ad worked out. It’s going to be one people are talking about for a while.”

If you’ve lived under a rock and have never seen Love Actually, it’s one of Richard Curtis’s best films.

Martine plays hapless PA Natalie, swept off her feet by the Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant.

And Thomas took on the role of sweet, love-stricken Sam, who went all out to impress his teen crush.

Google Pixel isn’t the only brand getting in on the Love Actually nostalgia for their Christmas ad.

Aldi revealed their famous Kevin the Carrot will propose to his sweetheart Katie in their festive offering this year using cue cards — inspired by the scene in the film where Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark professed his love for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.

Without wanting to be too sentimental, it proves love really is still all around us.

And I’m definitely going to be renting it on Prime Video tonight.

KYLIE MINOGUE used a stocking from the filming of her CBeebies bedtime story last Christmas in the music video for her new festive single Xmas.

The Aussie pop star is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the record, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), which features four new songs.

Speaking to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show about the video, Kylie said: “Because I was on the road we didn’t get to go so Christmassy.

“I think it was from a CBeebies Christmas story | did and they gave me a Christmas stocking.

“I thought, I have got to take something Christmassy and I think that’s it. That’s the one thing that you may see.

“We didn’t get to do fairy lights. We didn’t get to do paper chains. But in spirit we were very Christmassy.”

JOSH’S TOP DAY WITH SPINAL TAP

JOSH GROBAN was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final Finale.

I exclusively revealed the ­parody band had shot a concert alongside Eric Clapton and Shania Twain at the ­landmark in August, and now US star Josh has told me all about taking part.

He said: “Singing with Spinal Tap at Stonehenge – I don’t care how much you’ve done, that’s an experience for anybody. Eric Clapton felt it, Shania Twain felt it.

“Everybody was going, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this’. I can’t tell you the song but it was ­ridiculous and amazing.”

Josh is returning to the UK on April 1 next year for a date at London’s O2 Arena, with tickets on sale tomorrow.

And on November 14 he will drop his next record, Hidden Gems.

The album is a collection of fans’ favourite tracks not available on streaming platforms.

Speaking after an intimate show in ­London at Union Chapel, Josh says: “These are all songs from my past.

“They’re B-sides and special-editions. I’ve also been working on new music.”

MUMMY’S THE WORD, BRENDAN

BRENDAN FRASER and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4, 17 years after the last film in the franchise.

They both starred in 1999’s The Mummy and 2001’s The Mummy Returns, below, but Rachel skipped 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.

Plans for a fourth film were ditched in 2012 before Tom Cruise tried to reboot the series in 2017 with another movie called The Mummy, but it lost millions at the box office.

The original followed treasure hunter Rick (Brendan), who wakes up an ancient Egyptian priest with special powers.

The latest news comes three years after Brendan’s career comeback in The Whale, which landed him a much-deserved Oscar for Best Actor.

YUNG HIT IN TRANS PIC SHOW

YUNGBLUD has provided the soundtrack for a new photography exhibition that tells the stories of 13 trans people from across the UK.

His song Hello Heaven, Hello will be used on screens at Outernet, right outside Tottenham Court Road Tube Station in central London, for the free exhibition called Trans Is Human from November 17.

Yungblud said: “I’m honoured that Hello Heaven, Hello will be a part of this exhibition.

“Trans Is Human is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself.

“That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do.”

BABYSHAMBLES have returned with their first song in 12 years, Dandy Hooligan.

The band, fronted by Pete Doherty, dropped the track yesterday ahead of the launch of their comeback tour.

Pete said: “It’s a well turned-out, ­elegantly crafted reggae-ska-pop song . . . with a sweet melody to bowl along to with your sharpened walking cane.”

They were back on stage in Hastings last night for a warm-up gig ahead of their tour later this month.

ED’S PERFECT PITCH MEANS ALL KIDS CAN LEARN MUSIC

ED SHEERAN has once again proved he is a voice for good after a successful ­campaign to give all kids access to ­creative subjects at school.

Back in March, the Shape Of You singer wrote to No10 urging the government to look at the critical state of music education – and, incredibly, they’ve listened.

Keir Starmer yesterday heralded Ed’s letter, which was backed by stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Annie Lennox, as “powerful”, and told him: “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard.”

In a letter to Ed which has been shared with me, the PM said: “The review ­places creative ­subjects firmly at the centre.

“We are revitalising arts ­education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National ­Centre for Arts And Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.

“We will make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and ­culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”

It is a huge victory for Ed and the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which has ­campaigned for accessible, meaningful education for all young people.

In a statement, Ed said: “I set up the Ed Sheeran Foundation because every child deserves to have access to a meaningful music education, and the chance to experience the joy and confidence that musical expression can bring.

“Shortly after ­setting up my foundation, I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister about the critical state of music education in the UK and the fact it was slipping through the cracks.

“With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government, marking the first change to the music ­curriculum in over ten years.”

All power to you, Ed. This is ­brilliant news.

COAT AND TAYLS

TAYLOR SWIFT has gone quiet since dropping her album The Life Of A Showgirl last month, but she re-emerged in New York for a night out with Gigi Hadid on Monday.

The singer wrapped up in a coat and knee-high boots alongside the model who is a long-time friend.

I’m sure they had plenty to catch up on, with a wedding to plan for Taylor, while Gigi’s romance with Bradley Cooper seems to be going from strength to strength after two years together.

Perhaps wedding bells will be ringing for her, too, before long.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE has let slip that she’s co-producing a movie with Emma Stone based on Miss Piggy, being written by US comedian Cole Escola.

Asked on the Las Culturistas podcast whether the actresses will also star in the film, she said: “I think so, we have to.”

On working with Emma for the first time, she added: “It’s f***ed up. It’s dark that we haven’t done a movie together.”

CYNTHIA’S IN GOOD MOOD FOR PREMIERE

CYNTHIA ERIVO was grinning from ear to ear at the premiere of Wicked: For Good, despite the fact her co-star Ariana Grande missed the big launch.

The British actress, who returns as Elphaba in the second flick, wore this quirky, tummy-baring outfit and was joined at the event in Sao Paulo by co-star Jonathan Bailey ahead of the London premiere on Monday.

Hopefully, Ariana will make it over here after a fault with a plane meant she couldn’t get to Brazil in time for Tuesday’s event.

She apologised on Instagram, but was then subjected to vile abuse.

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Later on, she wrote online: “Please don’t wish danger on us.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when fans are so vicious over something so unimportant.”

OVER one million people watched as Brittany Miller made the perfect roast potato over the weekend – for her perfect twins in her perfect home with her perfect smile.

But behind the 29-year-old influencer’s flawless façade lies a sinister web of lies which saw her fake cancer and con her followers. Now, for the first time we reveal the truth behind her shock scam – and why she’ll stop at nothing to achieve fame.

In 2017, Brittany was an unknown 21-year-old living in Oxfordshire, with dreams of becoming the next big social media influencer. Her small online community were then left shocked when she claimed to have been diagnosed with stage three gastric cancer. 

Her friends rallied around her – a crowdfunding page was set up to help support her financially and interest around her started growing.

But then just as fast as her cancer news started spreading – it then disappeared and wasn’t mentioned again. No trace of her extraordinary lie could be found online. 

It wasn’t until 2020 when Brittany collaborated with a breast cancer awareness charity that her former best friend decided to speak out – revealing the whole thing had been a scam. 

Brittany lied to us all – not just her friends but also her followers online

Former friend

The police have confirmed to The Sun that Brittany was indeed convicted of her crime – fraud by false representation.

In July 2020, she was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and was forced to pay compensation and costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. 

Her criminal record will no longer show up on basic checks, which has left her victims furious. 

Speaking anonymously, a former pal revealed that Brittany had in fact been the one to set up the JustGiving page and had begged her friends to circulate it for her.

They told us: “Brittany lied to us all – not just her friends but also her followers online. 

“Now people are following her and they have no idea what she is really like.

“Yes it happened years ago but lying about cancer is really wrong. Lots of her followers will have family members living with cancer but little do they know that every time they watch one of her videos, they are giving money to a fraud.”

MAKING CASH AND FALLING OUT

Indeed, Brittany has built herself a successful online career. Her videos are mostly her dishing up huge meals, making home comfort food or showing hauls from Temu or Shein.

It might not be groundbreaking stuff but she has 3.5 million people following her on TikTok.

Her boyfriend, Ash Griffiths, regularly features in her clips and in July last year she gave birth to identical twins, Elijah and Emiliano, who have also become a big part of her content. 

The couple recently moved into a plush new home in East Sussex, thanks to the proceeds from Brittany’s TikTok account.

Looking back, another friend recalled how Brittany would tell her she was in hospital, having treatment, including radiotherapy and would guilt trip her when she wasn’t available to hang out with her.

Things came to a head when the pal accused Brittany of stealing money from her grandma.

In messages seen by The Sun, someone appearing to be Brittany admits to taking the cash but blames it on the strong medication she was taking. The pair fell out shortly after. 

In the weeks and months after Brittany’s crime was revealed, there has been a lot of online speculation but she has never addressed what happened. 

The former pal told us: “Brittany has done what she can to erase her history and will delete any comments referencing it.

“It’s pretty scary to think she was happy to lie about cancer and makes you wonder just how far she will go to be super successful.

“This isn’t about getting revenge on her, it’s about people knowing the truth, which they deserve.”

PAST MISTAKES AND PRESENT ISSUES

The cancer scam wasn’t the only time Brittany has been caught telling lies.

In 2018, she was convicted of travelling on the railway without having paid the fare. She gave the officer of the railway company a fake name and address. She was fined £320. 

In recent months, Brittany’s parenting has also come under question and  she revealed how an anonymous hater had accused her of child abuse.

Ash, who is the father of their twins, was even quizzed on her being an alcoholic and a “druggy.”

I’m in the spotlight, I get millions of views every video, I get it, there’s nasty people out there

Brittany on her fame

Unlike in the past, Brittany decided to be very open about what had been going on and, in an emotional video, she acknowledged that someone reported her to social services, not only accusing her of child abuse, but holding her responsible for “lots of things”.

She confirmed that she “got questioned about everything” and was “really upset” when she spoke to them on the phone, so much so that she “kept having to pause” because she was crying so much.

No further action was taken but the whole incident left Brittany shaken up. 

She said at the time: “People are so desperate for my downfall and bringing me down, but bringing my children into it is ludicrous – why would you want to do that to them, innocent babies?

“Do what you want to me, whatever, but to them, innocent children who are clearly very happy and healthy babies, that’s crazy, you’re an actual weirdo, you’re an actual loser.”

Brittany added:  “Never in a million years did I think I’d have to go through something like this – obviously, I’m in the spotlight, I get millions of views every video, I get it, there’s nasty people out there, I understand that. 

“I just think, how cruel can you actually be? So, so cruel.”

It’s not just Brittany who has been left shaken up by it all – her former friends now fear they will be targeted by trolls accusing them of spreading lies to social services.

An insider said: “It feels like trouble follows Brittany. She might have this perfect life on social media but it’s not the truth. This drama with social services won’t be the last she’s involved in. But she’s built up an incredible following now – and they will support her, no matter what.”

Brittany has been contacted for comment.

A SEASIDE capital city a short flight from the UK, with no council tax or TV licence fees and you can eat outside in winter… what’s not to like?

That’s the score in my adopted home town which I moved to from the UK just over 11 years ago.

Though it’s Europe’s smallest capital, Malta’s Valetta squeezes in 320 monuments and over two dozen churches into an area half the size of Hyde Park with more history per square metre than anywhere else on the Med.

But Valletta’s more than just a pretty face.

Since it was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2018, the once-sleepy capital has roared back to life with millions of euros invested in attractions, architecture and nightlife.

Living here has its perks. I pay no council tax, no TV licence, and car insurance costs are a fraction of what I used to pay in the UK.

Public transport is free, a recent vet check-up for my cat cost just €25 (£21.74), and with 300 days of sunshine a year, I’ve never needed the heating or a tumble dryer.

Life doesn’t grind to a halt in winter either.

In summer, it’s all alfresco dining and harbour views; in December, the city gate glows with a Christmas market – and you can still enjoy a lunch outside in the sun.

Come February, Carnival takes over with parades and costumes, and later the festas, Malta’s patron-saint celebrations, light up the streets with fireworks, brass bands and confetti.

Valletta knows how to celebrate, and food plays a big part.

For a real taste of Malta, start underground at Nenu the Artisan Baker that is hidden in a vault on one of the city’s backstreets, where even locals flock for the nation’s much-loved ftira bread.

Its founder, Carmel Debono, known as Nenu, was born into a family of Qormi bakers in the 1950s and still fires up a 100-year-old oven to make traditional Maltese loaves like Ħobża tal-Malti and ftajjar.

It’s a slice of Maltese history, served the old-fashioned way.

Then head down to the Valletta Waterfront, where locals fill the tables, especially for Sunday lunch.

Stop at Tribelli, a former warehouse from the 1600s turned into a family-run Maltese restaurant serving traditional dishes like rabbit stew, fried pasta and platters of local cheeses, sausages and bigilla, a broad bean dip.

Order a bottle of Maltese wine and sit on an outside table with one of the city’s best views of the Grand Harbour.

If looking for more of a quick bite, Valletta’s full of cheap eats.

Grab a pastizz, a golden, flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas – at under a euro each, they’re the best bargain in town and loved by everyone from builders to bankers.

Once stomachs have been lined, it’s time to head to Strait Street, which was originally Valletta’s red-light and sailors’ quarter.

Now lined with glitzy neon signs and balconies strung with fairy lights, it’s instead home to vintage shopfronts and cocktail bars like Tico Tico and Yard 32.

It’s also worth making a pit stop at The Pub, the tiny watering hole where actor Oliver Reed died while filming Gladiator.

The staff even wear his legendary last bar order on their T-shirts.

Public buses in Malta are free for residents, but the city is so compact that tourists can cover most of it on foot.

Don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral with its extraordinary Baroque interior, or the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour.

Day trips are easy too, with ferries running to the Three Cities or the sister island of Gozo.

Accommodation covers the full spectrum. At the luxury end, you’ve got five-star hotels like The Phoenicia Malta and Iniala Harbour House, both beautifully restored historic properties.

But there are also dozens of boutique hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs that keep things affordable.

Valletta is a far cry from the all-inclusive coastal resorts that once put Malta on the package-holiday map, but you can still get very affordable return flights from £40 to the UK.

With all this going on, it’s little wonder Valletta’s just been crowned the world’s best city by Condé Nast Traveller.

Ten years on, I still pinch myself, sipping a glass of local Girgentina wine up in a city rooftop bar, with the UK reachable in three hours on a plane, but feeling like a lifetime away.