IT’S that time of year when theme parks go from shouts of joy to screams of terror – and none more so than Universal Studios, where its Halloween Horror Nights return for their 34th year.
I am a big Universal Studios fan — having been to Orlando, Florida three times this year alone, and racked up 12 visits in my lifetime.
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No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you
But this is the first time I’ve felt brave enough to try the spooky events that take over the parks from the end of August until November 2.
To up the ante, I decide to swap the Sunshine State for Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here, in the daytime, you’ve got much-loved characters such as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and Glinda from Wicked roaming the park.
But as the sun sets and evening descends, to mark the reopening of the park for Halloween Horror Nights, these cute characters vanish.
And in their place come killer clowns such as Art from the film Terrifier, and towering crows who plays tricks on innocent attendees.
The overall experience involves eight haunted houses, four scare zones, two live shows and one terror tram.
My one piece of advice? No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you.
The creative teams excel at putting you front and centre of some of the biggest movies and shows, including Terrifier, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Fallout, Friday The 13th, WWE: The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist — and their own creations, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts Of Latin America, and Scarecrow with music by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The Poltergeist house returns as a fan favourite, which first appeared in 2018.
Only this time, as you walk through a room that resembles the inside of a brain, your senses become overwhelmed by a strong musky smell.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever before and, despite having become slightly desensitised to the frights, I don’t think it’s possible to ever become accustomed to a demonic scarecrow running at you.
Just when I thought it was safe, numerous versions of serial killer Jason Voorhees (from Friday The 13th) leapt out to grab me as I headed for the safety of the exit.
It might not sound like fun, but trust me when I say the laughs come later as you recall your hilarious reactions and those of your pals.
When you’re not being tortured in the haunted houses, you can venture through various scare zones located around the park.
My best tip for those who are most fearful is to act confident, as the actors prey on the weak. If you clock them coming towards you, they will most likely choose another target.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever beforeCredit: Supplied
For Horror Nights, The Studio Tour has been overtaken by the Terror Tram, which transports guests to the middle of the sound stages where they’ll be faced with the villains of Blumhouse movies including The Exorcist, The Purge, Happy Death Day, M3GAN and more.
This was a highlight of the event for me, as I felt all-consumed by the smoke, lights, music and actors jumping out from behind hidden doors. After all that horror, you’ll have deserved a well-earned break.
There are plenty of themed drinks and food options to calm your nerves, whether it’s a Jason mask s’more, Art sunflower cookie sunglasses, or Fallout’s RadAway non-alcoholic concoction that’s served in a blood bag.
If the scares become too much, there’s plenty else to keep visitors busy in LA at this time of year.
Take a hike with Bikes and Hikes up to the Hollywood sign and hear the tales of the area while you climb.
Or you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre, and stop for a spot of lunch or dinner at the Shirley Brasserie situated inside the Roosevelt Hotel.
Just down the road from here is the Hollywood Museum, which is filled with thousands of costumes, props and sets from the golden era of film.
If you want to see some of the movie magic, then take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
This is a brilliant journey around popular TV show and film sets, from Friends to Gilmore Girls, and you can get close to costumes and props from the likes of Harry Potter and Batman.
Keep your ears tuned in wherever you go though. If you listen hard you may still hear the distant screams from Universal Studios.
GO: Universal Studios
GETTING THERE: Norse Atlantic flies from Gatwick to Los Angeles from around £390 return. See flynorse.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel cost from £134 per night. See marriott.com.
TICKETS: Buy a one-day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free.
Prices start from £82 per adult and £78 per child based on autumn/winter 2025 arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week.
Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood cost from £62pp with one- night admission. See attractiontickets.com.
The UK is full of beautiful walks, but none of them are quite as terrifying as this one. It’s a narrow path hewn into the side of a cliff, and it’s known as Giddy Edge.
The views are stunning(Image: Getty)
If you fancy yourself as something of a thrill-seeker, then one of the most heart-stopping adventures can be discovered right here in the UK. It’s not bungee jumping or skydiving – this is a simple stroll with a spine-chilling twist.
It’s called Giddy Edge, but you’d be wise not to feel dizzy whilst traversing it, as it’s an extremely, extremely long way down.
One man tackled this frightening route and documented the entire experience on TikTok, reports the Express.
Phil, renowned for his travel content, shared his journey along Giddy Edge on TikTok and described it as “absolutely terrifying”.
“The camera does not do justice to either the narrowness of the path or the height of the drop”, he explained in his video, via voiceover.
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Phil revealed he had to add voiceover to his footage because it would have taken him far too long to censor all the profanities he was uttering as he navigated the cliff’s edge.
“It’s bringing me no joy at all; in fact, it’s bringing me genuine terror. I don’t like it.”
The route sits directly on the brink of a 300-foot vertical plunge down to the town beneath, and the most perilous section features a metal handrail fixed into the cliff so you can grip onto it as you inch your way across the most terrifying part of the trek.
After you’ve conquered this stomach-churning elevated point, the remainder of the trail remains just as lofty.
There’s no barrier separating you from the precipice, but there are several benches where you can perch and recover your composure. Giddy Path also operates a one-way system to prevent gridlock on the perilously narrow route.
However, if you’d rather not crawl along Britain’s most spine-chilling pathway, alternative routes exist – though they’re equally lofty.
Despite the path being absolutely terrifying, the panoramic views across Matlock Bath are genuinely stunning – just ensure you’re careful if you fancy a peek.
The route should be steered clear of during any wet or blustery conditions to prevent serious harm or fatality.
Phil remarked: “For me, it’s not about how lethal Giddy Edge is, and it is lethal. Do not go and mess around up there.
“It’s about how accessible it is – yes, there are lethal paths in Wales and the Lake District, but you have to put some work in, you have to walk a few miles to risk your mortality for them.”
THIS is the terrifying moment Ukrainian soldiers on fire dived from their speeding Humvee after a drone strike.
Footage shows brave Ukrainian troops cheating death as they jumped out of the military vehicle after being targeted by the Russian forces.
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Brave Ukrainian troops on fire cheated death after a targeted Russian strike on their Humvee
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The soliders took a leap of faith and dived out of their seats to escape
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They were seen rolling on the floor before dashing away from the burning car
Troops from the Kastus Kalinoŭski Regiment were travelling inside the Humvee when a drone attack struck them.
The soliders, who were engulfed in fire, took a leap of faith and dived out of their seats to escape.
They were seen rolling on the floor before dashing away from the burning car.
Smoke can be seen coming out of the US-made military vehicle as the soldiers look at it from a distance.
The Kastus Kalinoŭski Regiment is a military unit within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It is made up of Belarusian volunteers fighting agasint the Russians.
THe military unit was formed in March 2022 in response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The regiment is named after Kastus Kalinoŭski, a Belarusian national hero and leader of the 1863 January Uprising against the Russian Empire, symbolising resistance to oppression.
They view the Russian forces as a common enemy of both Ukraine and Belarus, and their aim is to defend Kyiv on the frontlines.
The fighting group also aspires to liberate Belarus from its authoritarian regime, which is aligned with Russia.
Heart-stopping first person video shows Ukrainian special forces storm Putin’s border in Humvees and wipe out Russian bunker
Their motto, “Liberation of Belarus through the liberation of Ukraine,” reflects this dual mission.
The unit has become a significant symbol of Belarusian solidarity with Ukraine and resistance to Russian influence, with its members fighting alongside Ukrainian forces to defend their homeland.
Previous footage from the frontlines showed the moment a landmine blew up a Humvee – with Ukrainian soldiers still inside.
The crew miraculously all survived the fireball blast thanks to the tough armour on the US-made military vehicle.
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Troops from the Kastus Kalinoŭski Regiment were travelling inside the Humvee when a drone attack struck them.
The clip shows Ukrainian fighters riding in the truck – with one standing up through a gap in the roof to man the machine gun.
One of the soldiers then starts shouting as gunshots ring out in the background.
Two brave men grab their rifles and sprint out to join the battle.
Smoke can be seen rising in the distance as the armed defenders scour the immediate area for Russian attackers.
Suddenly a blast erupts under under the Humvee – with at least three soldiers still inside.
Flames are seen filling the cab, and debris falls from the roof.
The occupants then rush to escape as the vehicle fills with smoke.
And thanks to the incredible US-made armour, they all survived the terrifying blast.
Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises all offer up some very cool activities and attractions onboard their cruise ships
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Crown’s Edge is available on Royal Caribbean ships(Image: @PhillyPolice/X)
Long gone are the days when entertainment on cruise ships consisted of lounging around by the pool all day before heading over to the buffet.
Yes, those experiences are still absolutely available for those who want them, but nowadays cruises have seriously upped the ante when it comes to their onboard entertainment. Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have pulled out all of the stops with onboard rollercoasters, go-kart tracks and thrill attractions for guests who are after an adrenaline rush during their holidays.
That’s not even including the epic water parks that often boast high speed slides and fun for the whole family (although make sure you’re aware of a little-known pool rule before getting in, or you could face having to leave the pool area!).
We take a look at some of the ridiculously cool attractions you can find on cruises – check out our top picks below!
1. Crown’s Edge, Royal Caribbean
Usually a stroll around a cruise ship involves a dedicated track, or just wandering through the decks; but Royal Caribbean has added a major thrill factor for those who dare to brave Crown’s Edge. Described as a “part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride”, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as you step onto the walkway that takes you right above the water below! The attraction is available on the cruise line’s newest ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, which also happen to be sharing the title of world’s biggest cruise ship!
If you love a fairground ride, then you’re going to want to check out Robotron onboard MSC Seascape. This terrifying ride involves a giant robotic arm that’s attached with a gondola to seat three guests, and sends them soaring 53 metres above the sea, with 360 degree views of the horizon (just be prepared to be flipped upside down and in all sorts of directions!).
Get ready to show off your competitive side on board Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, where you can find some of the world’s longest race tracks at sea. Passengers can race their electric karts at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, with highlights including a pit lane, viewing spaces for spectators, and engine sounds through the headrest so you feel like you could be joining the F1 line-up.
Riders who brave the world’s first rollercoaster at sea will not only be treated to epic sea views, but they’ll get to control the speed at which they ride on the motorcycle-style car, with the ability to reach up to 40 miles per hour. The ride is available on ships including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Thrill attractions don’t always have to be for adults and big kids; on Disney’s Cruise Line, the Aquaduck water ride can be ideal for smaller adrenaline-seekers. Families can get propelled along the water tunnels in a dinghy around the ship, across a four-deck drop.
The cruise line’s newest ships including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will feature a similar water ride, although this one is the AquaMouse and features cool features including screens as you join Mickey and Minnie Mouse on their adventures.
Before you get visions of joining Aladdin for a quick-stop flight around the world, this one’s actually a bar! Celebrity’s cantilevered platform is a firm favourite with holidaymakers as you can enjoy a tipple or two while moving up and down the ship. Plus, as it’s on the edge of the ship, you can get unrivalled views of the ocean! You’ll find this very cool feature on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.
If you’re not afraid of heights, then this suspended zip line that zooms over the Boardwalk, offering you brilliant views of the ship (if you dare keep your eyes open that is). You’ll typically find this attraction on the cruise line’s Oasis Class ships, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.
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STRICTLY Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has revealed that he had terrifying death threats after meeting up with the vice-president of the United States JD Vance.
The American politician reached out to him after seeing his social media posts saying he admired his positive attitude for life.
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Tom Skinner, left, says he received death threats after he posted a snap of himself with US vice-president JD VanceCredit: Instagram
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The Apprentice star has confessed he has cheated on his wife SineadCredit: Instagram
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JD Vance invited Tom to the barbecue of the summer at 18th-century Dean ManorCredit: Getty
And he invited him to the barbecue of the summer at 18th-century Dean Manor near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.
But afterwards The Apprentice star and market stall holder proudly posted a photo of them together on social media – and received a shocking backlash.
In an exclusive interview he admits: “Since I posted that picture I’ve had loads of death threats. People saying they want me dead, saying I am this political figure that I’m actually not. I actually really ain’t. I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in the world right now.
“Now the left seems to be attacking me every day on social media. The right seems to see me as this figurehead and it’s all been a bit much for me, if I’m honest with you.
“I was getting death threats and people calling me controversial. I was thinking, what have I ever done? What have I ever said that’s controversial? When you actually go through my tweets, apart from saying that knife crime is bad in London, yeah?
“I’m not this political figurehead that people believe that’s got my hand.
“I’ve had loads of death threats over the years, you know.
“I didn’t see it as anything more than a barbecue, if I’m honest with you. But I’ve been turned into this political figure that I’m actually not.”
But the East Londoner does admit he was nervous after accepting the invite along with Cambridge academic James Orr and Tory MP Danny Kruger.
He said: “I was very nervous about it, I didn’t know what to wear. When I arrived he literally was like, ‘Why have you got a suit on?’
Strictly shock as Thomas Skinner STORMS OUT of launch in furious rage
“He was actually a normal bloke. We spoke about English cheese being so much better than American cheese, West Ham United and how they call football ‘soccer’.”
Fry-up fan Thomas was blown away by the food, laid on by the local pub, describing it as “the b******s.”
He said: “There was a pub in the town, and Jay wanted to go to a traditional English pub, but he knew by going to this pub it would obviously have to shut, because I’ve never seen so many security guys in my life… a proper entourage… he didn’t want it to affect the locals.
“So he asked the pub if they would kindly – he paid them a lot of money – bring some of their staff to cook at the place, and they did, they actually left this beautiful pub in the Cotswolds, they’d come round to the garden, and they cooked this fantastic spread, it was steaks, kebabs, halloumi, honestly it was unreal. Everyone was really friendly.”
He didn’t take pictures, he says, because he didn’t want to “disturb his privacy”.
Joking, he adds: “When Trump comes he might invite me to a BBQ too.”
NO REGRETS
Despite the furore online Thomas insists he doesn’t regret posting the picture. He said: “I don’t regret it, I am a normal bloke and it was an amazing opportunity.
“Put yourself in my shoes. What would you do? You’re a normal person. And, I’ve been given this opportunity to sit with the Vice President of the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America. To me that was, “Wow’.
“And I would have gone, whether it was the leader of France, Germany, I think to sit there and learn, and experience that, whether you agree with him politically or not, it wasn’t about that for me, it was literally to say, ‘I’ve sat there and met the Vice President of the United States of America’.”
Sinead has been by his side since they got together nearly a decade ago.
Thomas began working part time as a market trader at 13 after being expelled from school. He found several businesses before starring on The Apprentice in 2019 after Sinead encouraged him to apply.
But he is also known for his motivational videos on social media where he shares his love of kebabs and pints.
It was his conservative political views that led to US Vice President JD Vance actually getting in touch with him.
SPREADS POSITIVITY
He says he loves spreading positivity.
He said: “Even when JD Vance sent me a DM, he was like, ‘Look I love your energy, keep it up, I love seeing the high energy and the positivity you spread’.
“Which is literally all I do, all I do is share videos of me having a roast dinner, and do a morning video to say, ‘Have a good day’, because I know what it’s like to wake up and feel like you can’t do this. I’ve been there, and that’s why I won’t ever give up spreading the positivity.”
Throughout the ups and down in his life Sinead – who he dubs Super sensible Sinéad – has been at his side throughout.
He admits the past few weeks have been tough and he has struggled with the public scrutiny.
He said: “It does affect you. I’ve always put on this brave face. But it’s alright to be vulnerable and be down and be upset. There are times I’ve felt low.”
CLOSE PALS WITH RYLAN CLARK
His close pal Rylan Clark also faced backlash recently over his views on migrant hotels which sparked over 700 Ofcom complaints.
Thomas said: “Rylan has been a friend of mine since I was a teenager. I love him. He’s a family friend, he comes to our family events. I go round to his and I bring him round to ours.
“He’s a top guy. And the thing that I just worry about is nowadays, whether someone’s got a different opinion to you, or you say something that might be slightly incorrect or you don’t agree with, everyone should be allowed to have their opinion, and everyone should be allowed to express it and argue it and talk about it.
“But if your opinion is different to someone else’s, people shouldn’t be able to attack you and ram it down your throat, and I think that’s wrong, if I’m honest with you.
“Poor old Rylan got a bashing, and obviously I know what it feels like, because I’ve had a bashing in the last couple of years.”
What Rylan said was: “How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?
“I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel like they are. But when they get here, it seems, ‘Welcome, come on in’.”
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Tom says he doesn’t deserve the backlash against himCredit: Twitter/@iamtomskinner
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The TV celebrity is now putting on his dancing shoes for BBC’s hit show Strictly Come DancingCredit: BBC
He later said he was angry at being “put in a box” over his opinions and called for more intelligent debate. Rylan posted on X: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women.
“You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
Thomas says the pressure that he and other celebrities receive due to fame can be hard to deal with.
And key to helping keep his mental health stable is the group of friends from the market that he still meets every Friday for “a pint”.
He said: “I think that’s so important, they think it’s funny I’m going on Strictly.
“Every Friday, and I’ve done this for years, you know, since I started out, no matter what, me and my group of little pals have a pint on a Friday afternoon.
“Some of us could be skint on our arse, some of us could be flying, we’re all having the same beer, in the same circle, talking the same thing, and we always, we always talk about what’s been a bad week, sad week, a happy week, a good week, a great week, and we all support each other, and I think that’s so important.”
And his biggest fan – his mum couldn’t be prouder.
Both his parents still work and are real “grafters” – which is where he says he gets his work ethic from.
His mum works in a call centre – but until this week hadn’t revealed who her famous son was, because she says they “never asked”.
He said: “She’s one of the people, when your boiler goes, she’ll ring up, my mum’s the one that you abuse on the phone saying, ‘My boilers gone,” she’s got one of the hardest jobs in the world. bless her.
“When she asked for the day off she said her son was on Strictly. They said, ‘What who’s your son? What do you mean?’ She showed them a picture of me.”
Her son is still a market trader with his own stall selling mattresses and pillows. He survives on just five hours sleep a night and even when rehearsing for the BBC show he says he will set up his stall first.
He still loves his work and feels proud to be helping Britain’s High Street.
Thomas said: “I’m going to try and set up at 6am. Markets help the shops, but then the shops are suffering, the high street’s dying.”
One thing that isn’t dying is his fan base.
Thomas confesses that he has been inundated with direct messages from celebrities on social media offering support for the new dance show.
He said: “I’ve had hundreds of messages, footballers, TV stars, all sorts.
“But I don’t think it’s fair to say who, because they’ve said that to me confidentially, and I respect that.
“People like my energy and the positivity I spread, which is literally all I do.”
Thomas has experienced financial highs and lows, and even homelessness.
He said: “I know what it’s like to have a few quid in my pocket, when everything’s going well, and your business is flying, and you’ve got everyone around you.
“But I also know what it’s like to be on your a***, not having anywhere to live, and not knowing how you’re going to pay your next bill. I’ve been at both spectrums.
“It’s taught me to be strong, and taught me to try and help other people, because life can be so hard.”
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Tom says he’s had ‘loads of death threats’ over the yearsCredit: Louis Wood
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Tom first appeared on The Apprentice in 2019 and has gone on to star in on Celebrity MasterChef, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Michael McIntyre’s Big ShowCredit: Getty
