takes

THE search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom has taken a dark turn as investigators are filmed searching a septic tank.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing for over a week after she was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona last weekend.

Now, as investigators admit they have no suspects or persons of interest, officers from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been seen back at her property opening up a manhole cover.

Drone footage taken on Sunday shows them searching the tank behind Nancy’s house.

Three detectives were seen putting a long pole down the manhole at the rear of the property, but it is not known what they are looking for.

It comes just 24 hours after officers were last seen at the property where they removed a car from the garage and took a camera off her roof that appeared to have been missed in previous searches.

read more on nancy guthrie

HELD RANSOM

Kidnappers ‘demand £4.4m’ for TV star’s mum – as FBI decode message in vid

Meanwhile, investigators also went back to her daughter Annie’s home on Friday night.

Officers arrived in an unmarked vehicle and stayed for around two hours, during which time camera flashes were seen in the garage and other parts of the house, per Fox News Digital.

It comes as…

Annie and her husband Tommaso Cioni were the last people to see Nancy before she went missing after going for dinner and dropping her home on January 31.

Officials have not commented on if any members of the Guthrie family have been ruled out as suspects in her disappearance.

Hours before officers arrived at Annie’s house, Savannah and her two siblings posted a video with a message to their mother’s alleged abductors.

Again, the heartbroken children were seen begging for the release of their mother, with The Today Show host saying, “we will pay”, in reference to a ransom sum that has been demanded in exchange for Nancy’s life.

Savannah said in the short video: “We received your message, and we understand.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

A number of ransom notes have reportedly been received by the family and local news stations and it is not known which one they were responding to in the video.

Former FBI agents have decoded some of the hidden messages in their clip, revealing how they signal what is going on behind the scenes of the investigation.

“The fact they are now negotiating and willing to engage means they believe there is some validity behind [the notes],” one ex-agent told The Daily Mail.

“They aren’t asking for proof of life anymore, they’re only speaking to the ransomer.

“That shows there was something in the most recent ransom note [received Friday night] that changed the way they’re responding, at least for now.”

In their latest update, the Sheriff’s Department said on Sunday that the investigation is “ongoing”.

“Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified,”the post on X read.

“If any significant developments occur in the case, a press conference will be called.”

With 30 percent of polling stations reporting results, Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party has a commanding lead.

Thailand’s ruling Bhumjaithai Party has taken an early lead in general elections, according to a preliminary vote count.

With around 30 percent of polling stations reporting results, the party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, took a commanding lead over the progressive People’s Party, showed partial results released by the country’s election commission.

The populist Pheu Thai Party, backed by the billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was jailed last year, was in third place, the results showed.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut appeared to concede defeat as the results came in, telling reporters, “We acknowledge that we did not come first.”

“We stand by our principle of respecting the party that finishes first and its right to form the government,” said Ruengpanyawut.

Nevertheless, the three-way battle is unlikely to see any single party win a clear majority, meaning parties will likely have to resort to coalition-building to form the next government.

Bhumjaithai, seen as the preferred choice of the royalist-military establishment, centred its campaign on economic stimulus and national security, tapping into nationalist fervour stoked by deadly border clashes with neighbouring Cambodia.

Its leader, caretaker premier Anutin, stepped in as prime minister last September, after his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was forced out of office for an ethics violation.

Threatened with a no-confidence vote, Anutin dissolved the National Assembly or parliament in December to call a snap election.

The rival People’s Party, which many had expected to win a plurality of seats, had promised to curb the influence of the military and the courts, as well as break up economic monopolies. Pheu Thai campaigned on economic revival and populist pledges like cash handouts.

Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng, reporting from Bangkok, said there was a sentiment of “political fatigue” in the run-up to elections, but voters turning out Sunday were still hopeful about the prospect for change.

Constitutional referendum

Thai voters were also ‌asked during the vote to decide if a new constitution should replace a 2017 charter, a military-backed document that critics say concentrates power in undemocratic institutions, including a powerful Senate that is chosen through an indirect selection process with limited public participation.

The election commission’s early count showed voters backing constitutional change ‌by a margin of nearly two to one.

Thailand has had 20 constitutions since the end of absolute monarchy in ⁠1932, with most of the changes following military coups.

If voters back the drafting of a new national charter, the new government and lawmakers can start the amendment process in parliament with two more referendums required to adopt a new constitution.

“I believe that the party that wins in the next election will have an outsized influence on the direction of constitutional reform, whether we move away from the junta-drafted constitution or not,” said Napon Jatusripitak of the Bangkok-based Thailand Future think tank.

MILAN — Alysa Liu glided past her boards and held her hand out. She high-fived her coaches with a wide smile on her face.

She was ready.

Liu calmly skated through minor technical missteps on two jumps in her short program of the team competition at Milano Ice Skating Arena to finish second and earn nine points for the United States that leads the team competition after the first day.

Led by 10 points from rhythm dance leaders Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the United States has 25 points entering Saturday’s men’s short program to lead over second-place Japan (23 points) and third-place Italy (22). Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto finished first with a score of 78.88 ahead of Liu’s 74.90.

After the men’s short program, the top five teams advance to the long program portion. The United States selected two-time world champion Ilia Malinin to skate in the men’s short program.

Liu, competing in her second Olympics, was selected for the team competition for the first time. The reigning world champion worked through slight errors, including on her tricky triple lutz, triple loop combination. Her coach Phillip Diguglielmo grabbed the arm of choreographer Massimo Scali nervously as Liu floated through the air on the crooked loop. When she finished her program to a loud ovation, Diguglielmo wiped his brow in relief.

Liu was the second world champion competing for the United States on Friday. Chock and Bates edged out French pair Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron by less than two points in an early showdown of individual gold medal contenders.

In March 2025, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron rocked the ice dance world by announcing their partnership. He was the reigning Olympic champion. She was a former Canadian champion. But it wasn’t just that the pair became instant gold medal contenders 11 months before the Olympic Games. The reason for the sudden pairing caused a stir.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the U.S. finished first in the ice dance portion of the team competition Friday.

(Stephanie Scarbrough / Associated Press)

In October 2024, Fournier Beaudry’s partner Nikolaj Sorensen was suspended by Skate Canada for at least six years for alleged sexual assault. The pair competed for both Denmark and Canada over their decade-long partnership, winning three Danish championships and a Canadian national title and placing ninth in the 2022 Olympics.

Cizeron hadn’t skated since 2022. He and his ice dance partner of 20 years Gabriella Papadakis announced their retirement in December 2024, but wanted to return to competition. He had trained in Canada for more than a decade and maintained a friendship with Fournier Beaudry. The opportunity was open, but it would be complicated.

After pairing with Fournier Beaudry to launch Cizeron’s comeback, the new team expressed support for Sorensen in an interview with Canadian French-language newspaper La Presse. Fournier Beaudry continues her romantic relationship with Sorensen.

When asked of the allegations Friday, Fournier Beaudry said she did not have anything to add to her previous comments. The pair proceeded through the mixed zone.

Since teaming up, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron have won five of six competitions, a nearly inconceivable rise for such a new pair. The only blemish is a silver medal finish at the Grand Prix Final.

Chock and Bates’ 15-year partnership has yielded three world championships, a record seven U.S. titles and four trips to the Olympics. On one of the most talented teams the United States has ever sent to an Olympic Games, Chock and Bates still stand out for their experience. Of the 14 other U.S. figure skaters, only Liu has participated in the Games before.

“I think we have the best generation of figure skaters within the U.S. right now,” said pairs skater Danny O’Shea, who finished fifth with his partner Ellie Kam to earn six position points toward the team total. “Amazing people helping each other, supporting each other, and Madi and Evan leading the charge being the just experienced elders.”

O’Shea, making his Olympic debut at 34, laughed as he clarified Chock, 33, is younger than him.

The Syrian army has deployed to the northeastern city of Hasakah, previously controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), implementing the first phase of a United States-backed ceasefire agreement.

A large convoy of military trucks entered Hasakah on Monday, hours after the SDF imposed a curfew. Syrian forces arrived as part of the newly brokered agreement between Damascus and the SDF announced last Friday.

The agreement aims to solidify the ceasefire that halted weeks of conflict during which the SDF lost substantial territory in northeastern Syria.

It establishes a framework for incorporating SDF fighters into Syria’s national army and police forces, while integrating civilian institutions controlled by the group into the central government structure.

Under the terms of the agreement, government forces will avoid entering Kurdish-majority areas. However, small Interior Ministry security units will take control of state institutions in Hasakah and Qamishli, including civil registries, passport offices and the airport.

Kurdish local police will continue security operations in both cities before eventually merging with the Interior Ministry.

The government forces’ entry into Hasakah occurred without incident and as scheduled.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – whose government has long viewed the SDF as an extension of the Kurdish-led armed rebellion in Turkiye – issued a stern warning to Kurdish forces.

“With the latest agreements, a new page has now been opened before the Syrian people,” Erdogan said in a televised address. “Whoever attempts to sabotage this, I say clearly and openly, will be crushed under it.”

Friday’s agreement includes provisions for establishing a military division incorporating three SDF brigades, plus an additional brigade for forces in the group-held town of Ain al-Arab, also known by its Kurdish name Kobane, which will operate under the state-controlled Aleppo governorate.

The arrangement also provides for the integration of governing bodies in SDF-held territories with state institutions.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, Interior Ministry forces began deploying in rural areas near Kobane on Monday.

Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad 14 months ago, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the fractured nation under central authority have been hampered by deadly clashes with the SDF and other groups.

ROMEO Beckham gets a lift amid his family’s ongoing feud with older brother Brooklyn.

David and Victoria’s model son, 23, tried his hand at sumo wrestling while in Tokyo with DJ girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 24.

The couple visited the Tatsunami sumo wrestling stable for a bout.

At half his opponent’s size, Romeo easily lost — but still got stuck in.

The Tatsunami Instagram account shared the footage and said: “They were very friendly and chatted with the wrestlers.”

Romeo also shared the snaps online and said: “Didn’t stand a chance.”

READ MORE ON THE BECKHAMS

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

Cruz Beckham puts grandad at centre of video produced by his cousin

GOT HER BECK

Brooklyn’s bid to protect Harper revealed as pals expose message in statement

Last week the youngest Beckham brother Cruz  took to his TikTok to share a video of him and Romeo along with their girlfriends Jackie Apostel and Kim Turnball as they sat in a car together.

The camera panned to all of them as they mouthed the noise to an audio track.

He captioned the post: “Imagine hating and we’re just here like.”

The seemingly savage swipe comes after their brother Brooklyn broke his silence on the family feud with an explosive statement.

He accused his parents of trying to end his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz as well as “attempting to bribe” him to “sign away the rights to his name”.

He took particular aim at his mum for reportedly cancelling making his wife’s wedding dress in the eleventh hour and claimed she danced “inappropriately” on him on his wedding day.

Brooklyn denied claims by Romeo and Cruz that he had blocked them on Instagram — insisting it was the other way around.

OLBIA in Sardinia was recently named one of the ‘best places to travel to in 2026’ by Lonely Planet, and it’s arguably the easiest beach city break destination in the world.

Located on the northeast coast of the island, the city has a charming old town, ruins and white sandy bays, it also has one of the best transfer times – just 3 minutes drive from the airport to the town centre.

British Airways will soon launch a new service, with flights running twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays from London Stansted to Olbia – starting on May 23 and ending on September 27, 2026.

The journey takes two and a half hours and a one-way ticket starts from £127.

Olbia has a great mix of pretty beaches, Roman and Greek history, and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Be sure to try the local dish of bread lasagne,made of cheese and bread soaked in broth.

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

WINTER WARMER

Best winter sun hols with NO jet lag & hot temps, picked by The Sun’s experts

Crispy Sardinian flatbread, mussels, stuffed dumplings and pecorino cheese also feature heavily on the menu, washed down with locally-made wine like Cannonau.

Late spring is a great time to visit, with highs of between 22 and 24C and rooms from £31pp a night.

For proper sunbathing weather, average highs reach the early 30s in July and August, when tourists head to the beach to cool down – two of the most beautiful are Costa Corallina and Porto Istana Beach, which has fine white sand.

Porto Istana also has views across to Tavolara Island which is a sought-after snorkelling spot where you’ll see shipwrecks and plenty of colourful fish.

Then, hop onto a boat for an excursion towards Figarolo and the Golfo Aranci for bottlenose dolphin-spotting.

Dolphin tours generally start at £30 per person.

For souvenirs as well as boutiques and gelato spots head down Corso Umberto which is the main shopping street that stretches from the train station down to the waterfront.

When it comes to staying in Olbia, you can book a seven-night stay at the Olbia City Hotel & Spa from May 23 to May 30, 2026 for £217pp – or £31 per night.

Just a five-minute drive from the city centre, the 4-star hotel has a garden, a bar, small swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms.

Lonely Planet named Sardinia as one of its best places to travel to in 2026 thanks to its “pristine beaches”.

Sardinia was also named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report.

If you fancy exploring more of Sardinia, one must-see is the beach called Cala Goloritzè, which is two hours south of Olbia.

Cala Goloritzè is tucked away in-between enormous limestone cliffs and was awarded the title of being 2025’s best beach in the world.

For more inspiration, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding headed to Sardinia last year where she ventured to the south side of the island.

She said: “Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches. You can also do a number of activities from the resort, including a two-hour horse ride up into the island’s hills.

“The city is small, but even on a sunny Saturday at the end of August, its streets were quiet, free from hordes of tourists.”

For more on island holidays, here are five island-hopping holidays across Europe and the Maldives.

And see what one Sun Writer got up to when he went to a barely-visited Greek island with Hawaii-like beaches that wants Brits.

The poster for “Send Help” advertises the film as from the director of “The Evil Dead” and “Drag Me to Hell” — and notably not Sam Raimi’s bigger hit “Spider-Man” (or its two sequels). No, the kind of Raimi movie you’re getting here is irreverent, silly and very bloody: a character study that also features incredibly goofy scares. Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, “Send Help” is a gonzo survivalist riff that works as well as it does because it features two incredibly game actors that surf the wave of Raimi’s tonal madness with a blend of absolute glee and carefully honed skill.

And if that poster were to present the star of “Send Help” in the same way as Raimi, the tagline would read “from the star of ‘Red Eye’ and ‘Mean Girls,’” because Rachel McAdams is fully in her horror-comedy mode here. It’s an excellent reminder of her range. Co-star Dylan O’Brien also proves himself once again to be one of the best actors of his generation: a former teen heartthrob who now operates more like a chameleonic character actor. Both McAdams and O’Brien move beyond expectations to deliver highly expressive, almost clownish performances — in the best way.

McAdams is astonishingly dowdy as beleaguered corporate workhorse Linda Liddle, a “Survivor”-obsessed loser who is passed over for a promotion by her slick new boss, Bradley Preston (O’Brien), a nepo baby. In an attempt to play the good ol’ boys game, she boards a private flight to Bangkok with the team, on which she bangs out memos while they laugh at her “Survivor” audition tape. One plane crash later, the tables are turned, with the injured Bradley now at the mercy of Linda and her survival skills on a tropical island.

The swap in the power dynamic thrills Linda, calling to mind Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness,” specifically the relationship between Dolly de Leon and Harris Dickinson. But “Send Help” is more of a psychological exploration than overt class satire, though it does explore the ridiculous notion of what it would be like to be stranded on an island with your boss.

McAdams and O’Brien deliver almost silent-film era acting with their faces (there’s one bravura long shot of O’Brien eating a bug that’s absolutely virtuosic) and Raimi’s camera playfully pushes the audience around, offering exaggerated tilts and close-ups, screaming: Look at this. There’s no subtlety, but would you expect that from the director of the “Evil Dead” movies? You’re just waiting for the ghouls and blood geysers to pop out. We don’t come to a Raimi film for its natural realism.

If there’s any flaw to “Send Help,” it’s that it generates such nuance and empathy for both Linda and Bradley, even within such outlandish circumstances and style, that it feels impossible to root for just one of them to come out on top. The film paints itself into such a corner when it comes to their conflict that any ending would feel too clean, too pat. As it stands, the ending is just that. But it’s to Raimi and the actors’ credit that they manage to make such an odious character as Bradley actually sympathetic — and so clear a heroine as Linda complex and thorny. Nothing’s perfect but “Send Help” is a blast nevertheless.

Sam Curran took England’s second ever hat-trick in T20 internationals as they beat Sri Lanka by 11 runs (DLS) in Pallekele.

The left-arm seamer dismissed home captain Dasun Shanaka and lower-order batters Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 133.

The hosts had already lost five wickets for 22 runs after spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson tore through their line-up, taking 3-19 and 2-31 respectively.

Curran had been expensive earlier in the innings, conceding 36 runs from his first two overs, but returned in force before Jamie Overton wrapped up the innings, which had been shortened to 17 overs after rain earlier in the day.

Having won the preceding ODI series 2-1, England were looking to take their form into the shortest format as they build up to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

They looked comfortable in their reply, with Phil Salt hitting 46 from 35 balls at the top of the order.

Jos Buttler was bowled by Eshan Malinga in the third over after hitting the seamer for four successive fours, and the same bowler removed Jacob Bethell for nine.

Tom Banton hit back-to-back sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, but was caught superbly in the covers by Charith Asalanka off Parithana, while Salt chipped Shanaka to long-on with the finish in sight.

The rain returned two balls later with England needing nine from 12 deliveries and the umpires swiftly drew a conclusion to proceedings.

England go 1-0 up in the three-match series, with the next game at the same ground on Sunday.

KATIE Price’s new mother-in-law has taken a cryptic swipe at the newlyweds with a social media post.

Former glamour model Katie and businessman Lee Andrews tied the knot in Dubai just days after meeting for the first time.

Lee’s mum Trisha recently broke her silence on the shock wedding, claiming she knew the pair were going to get hitched.

At the time, she told The Mirror that if Katie and Lee are happy then she is too.

But despite putting on a brave face, it now seems Trisha has doubts about the marriage.

The clairvoyant wasn’t present at the wedding and, today, posted a quote to her Facebook page that said: “Do not get upset with people or situations; both are powerless without your reaction.”

KNOT SURE

Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews insists wedding IS legally binding

HAPPY COUPLE

Katie Price’s ‘swindler’ husband Lee reveals new pic of Dubai wedding

Trisha previously said to The Mirror: “There’s a lot of lies going around about Lee and that’s made me really upset. He’s not been married twice. I just want to defend my son, but I can’t say much more until I know everything.

“He did tell me that the wedding was happening. He spoke to me and if he is happy, I am happy – he’s my son, and that’s all that matters.”

Speaking about Katie, Trisha added: “Of course, I know who Katie is.

“I’ve always been very neutral about her. Everyone deserves a chance, you should never judge anyone in life.”

Last week the reality TV star sent fans wild as she dropped a series of engagement snaps.

In one photo, the podcast host was seen standing beside rose petals that were arranged to read “will you marry me” before she showcased her huge “25 carat” diamond ring.

Model Katie has since arrived back in the UK as two of Lee’s former lovers have hit out and warned that she should “run for the hills.”

Lee, who has also been caught faking his Instagram posts using AI, has revealed he is inbound for Britain as he wraps up “business” in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Katie’s family are said to have been blindsided and are planning an intervention.

Jan. 26 (UPI) — Critical minerals startup USA Rare Earth announced Monday that the Department of Commerce will give the company a $1.3 billion loan and $277 million in federal funding.

USA Rare Earth will issue Commerce 16.1 million shares of common stock and 17.6 million in warrants. The federal government will have an 8% to 16% stake in the company, depending on whether it uses the warrants, a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission said.

USA Rare Earth shares rose more than 20% Monday after the announcement, CNBC reported.

The injection of funds will help the company build a magnet manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Okla., and a mine at the Round Top mineral deposit in Sierra Blanca, Texas.

CEO Barbara Humpton said the government deal will turn USA Rare Earth into an industry leader.

“This is a watershed moment in our work to secure and grow a resilient and independent rare earth value chain based in this country,” CNBC reported that Humpton told analysts Monday.

“We have long said that meeting the urgent call to reassure the rare earth and critical minerals industry will require a multiplayer solution, and this establishes our company as one of the leaders,” she said.

Commerce will allocate the funding from 2026 through 2028 based on milestones in USA Rare Earth’s business plan, Chief Financial Officer Rob Steele told analysts.

The company needs about $4.1 billion for its plan, he said. It still needs to raise about $600 million more capital.

“We believe we can raise the remaining capital from attractive sources, and you should assume that’s equity capital but that can come from strategic investments as well as institutional investors,” Steele said.

China dominates the global supply chain of rare earth materials. During trade disputes with President Donald Trump, Beijing tried to cut off rare earth exports.

“USA Rare Earth’s heavy critical minerals project is essential to restoring U.S. critical mineral independence,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a statement. “This investment ensures our supply chains are resilient and no longer reliant on foreign nations.”

“The Department of Energy is ending America’s reliance on foreign nations for the critical materials essential to our economy and national security,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a statement. “The DOE is partnering with USAR to rebuild the critical minerals supply chain. By expanding domestic mining, processing and manufacturing capabilities, we are creating good-paying American jobs and safeguarding our national security.”

“Accelerating the onshoring of rare earth minerals, metals, and magnets is paramount to national and economic security,” U.S. Investment Accelerator Executive Director Michael Grimes said in a statement. “With the Department of Commerce’s funding for USA Rare Earth’s vertically integrated mine-to-magnet operations, we will significantly increase the domestic supply of crucial components for semiconductors, defense and numerous other industries strategic to the United States.”

Vienna has topped the Global Liveability Charts for three years in a row – and with return flights from the UK costing as little as £35, Austria’s capital makes the perfect affordable weekend break

A breathtaking European capital has been crowned the continent’s “best” city, and it’s just a short three-hour flight from Britain. Even better news for budget-conscious travellers – you can jet off to this stunning destination for as little as £35 return.

Vienna, the Austrian capital, has claimed the top spot in the Global Liveability Charts for three consecutive years. The city of approximately two million residents outranked popular destinations including Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva, earning top marks for its stability, cultural offerings, and excellent local infrastructure.

The city is also a cultural treasure trove, celebrated for its musical heritage, exquisite art scene, and charming coffee houses.

YouTuber Ed Chapman made the journey to discover whether it truly deserved its reputation as “the greatest city in the world”. His itinerary included the Danube Tower, which boasts Europe’s tallest slide, a round-the-clock amusement park, and the internationally renowned Cafe Central.

Situated in Vienna’s Innere Stadt district, this historic establishment once welcomed legendary figures including Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Josef Stalin. The venue earned the nickname “Chess school” due to its popularity amongst elite chess players who used it as their gaming headquarters, reports the Express.

Ed sampled beef goulash, hot chocolate, and cake during his visit. Reflecting on his meal, he remarked: “That is beautiful, what a delight, lovely and warm, great flavours. Proper hearty food.”

When asked whether Vienna deserves its crown as the world’s finest city, Ed remarked: “It’s a beautiful place. It’s lovely. Buildings are amazing, astonishing. It’s got some history knocking about. Mozart is, you know, his place is out here somewhere. There’s something to walk past. All sorts of museums.”

He continued: “I’m very impressed by this place. But is it the greatest city in the world that I’m not sure about. It’s a very, very good city. I can absolutely see why it’s been given the most livable tag in both Europe and the world. And I could absolutely imagine living here myself.”

Beyond the celebrated coffee house scene that Ed experienced in Vienna, visitors will find no shortage of attractions throughout the city. Austria’s capital boasts an array of stunning Baroque churches alongside architectural gems such as the vibrant Hundertwasserhaus and the Wiener Riesenrad, an impressive 64-metre-high Ferris wheel.

Travel expert Mark Wolter, from Wolter’s World, was full of praise for Vienna’s culinary offerings. He explained: “The cakes, the food, yeah you have your Wiener Schnitzel and your hot dogs but there’s so many great foods, pork, duck, all this food from all over the holy Roman empire, because you have Hungarian goulash or pasta from those times.”

Mark describes Austria as a “really cool” tourist destination, particularly highlighting the quality of accommodation and transport links. He noted: “Whether it’s trains, buses or trams they have this all out there, which is really cool to use as a tourist.

“The museums will have things usually in German but they’ll have cards in English to help you.”

Beyond Austria’s charming historic towns, Mark urges visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural offerings and stunning natural landscapes. “I like to tell people, if you want to get cultured come to Austria, because there’s so much of the museums, architecture and history,” Mark added.

Flight comparison site Skyscanner reveals that travelling to Vienna can be remarkably affordable, with one-way tickets from Manchester Airport starting at just £19, whilst return flights from Bristol can be snapped up for around £35.