The Sun Newspaper

TONIGHT, Delta Goodrem is hoping to turn Australia’s Eurovision fortunes around.

The Born To Try singer is banking on her track Eclipse to get her country into Saturday’s grand final for the first time in three years.

She will compete in the second Eurovision Semi-Final live in Vienna alongside the UK’s entry Look Mum No Computer and former Love Island
star Antigoni Buxton .

The reality star is representing Cyprus with her song Jalla.

Australia, who have competed in the contest since 2015, has failed to make it past the semi-finals since 2023, when Voyager’s track Promise saw them finish in ninth place in Liverpool.

Speaking to Bizarre, Delta revealed she has put just as much effort into the production of her performance as she has the song itself.

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Delta said: “I have definitely been learning on the job.

“This is my first ever Eurovision. The staging is just as important as the song.

“When I was working on the track, I wanted to make sure there was a lyric that lends itself to a journey in the production.

“I wrote it thinking about what the staging looks like and what exactly we are saying in the song.”

Admitting she was like a kid in a candy store when choosing her stage
effects, Delta added: “You can do all sorts of things.

“They give you a long list.. honestly, what an amazing opportunity.

“You can have fire, wind, you name it. I felt like I was going shopping.”

Last year’s 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland, was watched by a
staggering 166 million people.

However, Delta insists she isn’t fazed by the massive global audience
set to watch her tonight.

She said: “It doesn’t matter if it’s Hackney, the Commonwealth Games,
Eurovision, or my outdoor pop-up in Camden earlier this year, I care
just as much about every single performance.

“My game plan is simple, stay true to myself and bring it.”

While Delta is determined to make her country proud, she isn’t taking
things too seriously.

In fact, she says bonding with fellow contestants has been a highlight.

Delta said: “Eurovision is completely its own world. I met a lot of artists in Oslo earlier this year and you naturally find your friends. Denmark’s Soren Torpegaar came up to me and told me how he went to one of my shows the last time I was in Denmark. It was really sweet.

“Honestly, the whole process has been amazing.”

REALITY star Maura Higgins pads about in Cannes.

The former Love Islander sashayed around the city in a 1980s-style shirt dress with big shoulders and collar.

Irish model Maura, 35, later changed into a dramatic Guinness-like black and white gown for the film ­festival’s opening ceremony on the French Riviera.

She was joined by actress Demi Moore — in a pearl sequinned gown — and model Heidi Klum in a peach dress with floral decoration.

Maura will be Dancing with the Stars next — we revealed last month that she has landed a place on the US ­version of Strictly.

Reality TV star Maura has confirmed she’s walked away from her Love Island USA: Aftersun hosting job after three years.

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The Irish star told Vulture that she won’t be returning to Fiji for the upcoming eighth season.

She said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.

“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.

“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.

“I’ll still be watching from afar and I love them and miss them. It’s just time to move on.”

PLUCKED from obscurity and then dropped when fans lose interest, men in reality TV shows often fare worse than their female counterparts.

While women regularly earn a fortune from brand endorsements, the guys can find themselves struggling after they are no longer on our TV screens.

Now the untimely deaths of The Only Way Is Essex cast members Jake Hall and Jordan Wright within a few months of each other has raised fears that ITV is failing in its duty of care for former reality TV stars.

Jake, 35, died last week in a Spanish villa following a night of partying while Jordan, 33 was found dead in a ditch in Thailand in March.

A TV insider told The Sun: “The tragic deaths of Jake and Jordan have raised some serious red flags.

“No one is blaming ITV but there is definitely a pattern which emerges time and time again on all reality shows.

“Measures were put in place a number of years ago but it doesn’t seem to be enough.”

Artist and designer Jake, who joined Towie in 2015, had been living in Spain.

He was found dead in a pool of blood in a villa in Majorca last Wednesday morning after he seemingly crashed through a window.

A police source said witnesses described Jake as “agitated”, possibly from “alcohol and other substances he may have consumed”.

He had a number of struggles in recent years, from losing his fashion brand Prevu to being hit with a restraining order by ex-girlfriend Misse Beqiri, a model and the mother of his eight-year-old daughter River.

Yet right from the start of his telly career, Jake was open about being uncomfortable with fame.

Shortly after his debut on Towie, Jake said on This Morning: “The privacy part has been quite difficult because everyone knows your life within days of being on the show.”

Jordan, from Basildon, Essex, also admitted he struggled with life in the spotlight.

The former firefighter said: “I had an enjoyable career for six years before I resigned to pursue a life in the limelight of reality TV — a choice that left me hugely unfulfilled, stagnant and lost.

“People think it’s glitz and glamour but the truth is very far from public perception.

“I really struggled.

“When I left I lost a huge part of myself and my sense of purpose.”

Jordan returned to firefighting in 2023 but he struggled to settle and in December moved to Thailand where he was looking forward to a “very exciting year ahead”.

He shared his new life with his 21,500 Instagram followers, but in March was found dead face down in a drainage canal on the island of Phuket.

CCTV footage appeared to show Jordan pacing erratically outside a hotel before bolting out of the complex shortly before his body was found.

Unfortunately, the two deaths were not Towie’s first.

In January 2021, Mick Norcross took his own life, aged 57.

The Sugar Hut owner and businessman had joined the show with his son Kirk, who now runs a waste removal business.

Addiction has also taken hold of a number of cast members, including James Argent, who suffered two near-fatal overdoses at home.

Arg’s drug binges cost him his relationship with co-star Lydia Bright, his job on Towie and other high- profile TV work.

Last year he was in trouble after pushing his former Miss Sweden partner Nicoline Artursson down some steps on holiday in Spain.

He admitted an offence of gender violence and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Jake and Jordan’s deaths sent shockwaves through fans of Towie and its stars.

Charlie King, who was on the show in 2012 and 2013, has faced his own demons since he left the programme but believes his fellow cast members must “take responsibility”.

He told The Sun: “Reality stars in general are seeking something — whether it’s fame, attention or validation.

“It’s a two-way street — stars want to appear on the shows for that lifestyle and experience, and shows need the participants.

“I can’t say Towie gave me the best support when I finished on the show.

“I remember feeling lost and redundant, trying to navigate a life post the show and still having eyes on me.

“It was hard.

“I missed the show deeply and all that came with it.

“I think access to a counsellor or therapy in those first months or years after appearing is always a good idea.

“But I also don’t think it’s fair to point the finger at these shows for how individuals live their lives after — we have to take responsibility.”

Charlie added that producers offer much better support for their on-screen talent these days and that ITV “isn’t afraid to pull out cast members if they think it’s getting too much or they need a breather, which is great to see”.

Following his stint on Towie, Charlie was diagnosed with body dysmorphia and had a botched nose job.

Other lads from the show have also gone under the knife in a quest for perfection.

Bobby Norris is now almost unrecognisable after having a full deep plane facelift, neck lift and lower eyelid surgery.

James Lock has also battled body dysmorphia and says he has spent around £100,000 on getting work done.

On rival ITV show Love Island, telly bosses brought in a revised set of welfare measures in 2021, including “comprehensive” psychological support, after former stars Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis took their own lives.

Their relatives blamed a lack of support from the show for contributing to their mental anguish.

Love Islanders are offered a minimum of eight therapy sessions when they return home.

They also get advice on coping with their finances.

But unlike Love Island, Towie cast members often appear on the show for years at a time.

A number of its former stars, including Yazmin Oukhellou and Tommy Mallet, have praised the support they have received while on the show — but what happens when the cameras stop rolling?

A telly insider revealed: “When women finish on a reality show, brand deals, an influencing career and other avenues are open to them — but it’s very different for men.

“They can get club PAs but that involves late nights and lots of booze.

“Some people like Jake or Tommy launch a career in fashion, but many struggle to achieve the dizzy heights they once enjoyed.”

Women, meanwhile, have made millions off the back of Towie, thanks to very successful business models.

Former glamour model Sam Faiers owns global collagen brand Revive and is worth £9million, and Gemma Collins is now a huge TV star with £7million in the bank.

Lucy Mecklenburgh — famed for throwing drinks on cheating Mario Falcone — now owns a thriving fitness brand and shows off her happy life on social media.

But there have also been a number of male Towie successes too.

Mark Wright landed I’m A Celebrity and Strictly at a time when Z-listers were reportedly banned, as well as enjoying a stint on US TV.

Now a radio DJ, he is married to actress Michelle Keegan, and the couple live in a £3.5million Essex mansion with one-year-old daughter Palma.

Joey Essex also became a huge breakout star.

These days he is worth at least £10millon thanks to a lucrative reality TV career, savvy personal branding and business ventures.

Another success story is Tommy Mallet, who launched luxury footwear and apparel brand Mallet London and more recently Ctrne trainers.

Tommy, Joey and Mark are living up to Towie’s theme tune The Only Way Is Up — and fans will hope there will be more men from the show who enjoy similar success.

ITV was approached for comment but declined.

JENNIFER Lopez has joined Spotify’s billionaire club for the first time.

Her 2011 dance hit On The Floor, with rapper Pitbull, has now clocked up more than a billion streams.

The US singer, 56, in a celebratory mood at a Netflix comedy event in LA on Sunday night thanked fans online, adding: “Thank you JLovers … On The Floor is one billion strong on Spotify because of you!

“Let’s keep dancing.”

It is the first of J-Lo’s songs to ever achieve the feat, while it becomes Pitbull’s sixth track to make the grade.

However she has a way to go before overhauling Spotify’s most-played track — The Weeknd’s 2020 classic Blinding Lights, on 5.4billion streams.

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Released as the lead single from her seventh album Love?, the song marked a major comeback for the star following a quieter period in her music career.

We recently revealed how the star got down and dirty with her co-star Brett Goldstein in a first look at their brand new movie, Office Romance.

A trailer for the raunchy Netflix rom-com has dropped with J Lo serving up some of her sauciest on-screen scenes to date.

The hotly anticipated flick is due to release next month with Jennifer and her co-star Brett having heaps of passion as a typical work love story blooms.

KYLIE MINOGUE and Jason Donovan’s romance defined a generation, and the couple broke hearts around the world when they split in 1989.

Now fans are set for a nostalgia overload as private footage of their time together has been unearthed.

It will be shown in Kylie’s new three-part Netflix series, which is set to be released on May 20.

The self-shot footage includes videos of the couple on holiday together before Kylie made it big as a pop star.

The pair, who met while playing Scott and Charlene in Aussie soap Neighbours, dated for three years.

Admitting she had no idea that the clips existed until Netflix bosses dug them out of the archive, Kylie said: “I was like… ‘What?!’

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“This was going back to the days where people only had a camera if they went on holiday. I imagine it was quite an effort to find that.

“When I saw that footage for the first time, my heart swelled. I thought, ‘Oh my God, we were just babies’.

“That brought back tidal waves of nostalgia, emotion and a lot of love.”

Jason, who has remained good friends with Kylie, also contributes to the TV special by talking about their romance – both on and off-screen.

BRITISH Airways’ multi-million pound superjumbo refit faces certification delays over fears crew cannot safely restrain drunk passengers in its new business class seats.

The airline is in the process of upgrading its Airbus A380 fleet with its latest Club Suite, which comes with a sliding privacy door.

But the makeover could hit delays because of concerns over how staff would deal with an air rage passenger on the upper deck.

BA plans to move a small section economy seats off the top floor and replace them with a larger Club World cabin.

Its passenger restraint kit is understood to be approved for economy and premium economy seats – not the new suite-style business seats.

That could leave crew with a major problem if a passenger became violent or disruptive upstairs.

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Sources said hauling a violent passenger down the A380’s narrow staircases could put crew and other passengers at risk.

The first aircraft are currently being worked on in Manila, Philippines, as part of the refurbishment programme.

Industry sources have also suggested there may be certification concerns over the weight of the new business seats, which include motors and sliding doors.

Extra weight on the upper deck could affect the plane’s payload limits.

However, any delay may also be linked to wider supply chain issues affecting premium aircraft seats across the industry.

British Airways said the A380 refit programme remains on schedule for 2026.

I’M dancing in the midday sun, frozen margarita in hand, while the DJ plays top tunes to complement the incredibly beautiful Bahamian backdrop.

I’m at the new Royal Beach Club, on Paradise Island, a private party pad in the Bahamas owned by cruise company Royal Caribbean.

This 17-acre stretch includes three differently-themed areas and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

And the beach club is exclusively for passengers travelling on board Royal Caribbean ships.

It’s booked similarly to a cruise excursion, and the £126 fee buys you food, and drink all day, as well as access to three temperature- controlled pools and two huge white-sand beaches.

For those who don’t want alcoholic drinks, it’s £96.

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Transfer to the club from ships docked at Bahamian capital Nassau are by bright-pink water taxi — ours was dubbed Flirty Flamingo.

After a few daiquiris by lunchtime, we were loving the upbeat atmosphere, with a real Las Vegas pool-party vibe.

As well as the Party Cove — by far the liveliest zone on the island — there is the Family Beach, designed with kids in mind.

The pool is perfect for younger children who want to play in shallow water and there is live music, and games, so parents can have fun, too.

For those who would rather kick back with a book and a beer, the Chill Beach is more relaxed.

But most come here to party and, with ten bars dotted around the island, it’s very easy to do that.

The food didn’t disappoint either.

Each area has an island grill, serving Bahamian favourites like coconut shrimp and jerk chicken.

After a day dancing in the sun, we were grateful to be able to amble on to one of the multi- coloured ferries back to the ship.

We were sailing on the 18-deck Wonder of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise vessels — and there was plenty on board to keep us busy, including 20 restaurants, five live shows, a surf simulator, zipline and ten-storey slide.

The ship is capable of hosting almost 7,000 passengers, in its 2,600 cabins.

Our balcony stateroom was bright and breezy, with the benefit of some outside space.

While there are plenty of venues for you to enjoy the tasty included dining, we splashed out on one of my favourite venues that come at an extra cost.

Seafood restaurant Hooked is around £36 extra per person if booked in advance, but is definitely worth it.

Delicious menu options included Alaskan salmon, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a fantastic surf-and-turf.

After dinner, we managed to get a seat at the popular inTENse show, whose all-female performers include synchronised swimmers, acrobats and martial-arts specialists.

With a larger ship, the challenge can sometimes be getting your bearings, but on Wonder of the Seas the eight “neighbourhoods” mean you quickly get into the swing of things.

My favourites included Central Park, a serene open-air courtyard, adorned with trees and plants; The Boardwalk, a fun, fairground-themed zone; and the Royal Promenade, a social space with shops, bars and restaurants.

It’s easy to see why a Royal Caribbean cruise appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers.

Whether you are cruising as a family, a couple or with friends, there is a lot of fun to be had.

The karaoke lounge is a must — even if you don’t want to roll out your inner Jane McDonald.

The entertainment value for the audience here is high — with some very interesting performances from guests that have been sipping rum punch all afternoon.

There is more fun to be had off the ship, too.

All Royal Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas also stop at the cruise line’s own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is included in the cost.

The perks included with your cruise continue on the island, too.

If you want a break from sunning yourself by the turquoise sea, you can also embrace your inner kid at the Thrill Waterpark, which does come at an extra cost.

Here, you can take on the third-highest waterslide on the planet.

This tube-slide is shockingly fast, with riders hurtling down at more than 30mph — taking just seconds to splash-land.

Which is a lot faster than it takes to climb the 255 steps to get to the top.

Back on the Wonder of the Seas, guests can take advantage of their last night at sea with the bars, pools and decks full of life.

With lots of fun things to see and do on board — and now with the Royal Beach Club giving you even more fun on land — a Royal cruise definitely offers the best of all worlds.

POP star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for £11million after the tech giant allegedly used her face to sell £300 televisions without her permission.

A picture of the Levitating singer was on the packaging of Crystal 43in ultra-high- definition sets to promote its XITE Hits music channel.

In legal paperwork obtained by The Sun, Dua’s attorneys say she owns the copyright to the photo — taken backstage at a 2024 festival.

She claims it appeared on a “significant portion” of the tellies sold in the US — and her fans even flocked to buy them in the belief she had endorsed them.

The filing, made in the Central District of California Federal Court, reveals that Grammy- winner Dua is demanding a minimum $15million (£11million) in damages — but a jury could decide to award far more.

South Korean firm Samsung is said to have ignored several legal warnings from her team.

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Her lawyer Christine Lepera wrote: “Samsung used a copyrighted image of Ms. Lipa without authority or licence and prominently featured it on the front of boxes containing Samsung-manufactured televisions for retail sale.”

She added “The substantial revenue made on the sale is inextricably tied to the false message conveyed to consumers that Ms. Lipa has endorsed the Infringing Products when she has not.”

One fan is said to have put a photo of the box online with the caption: “I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV, but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”

Another in Miami who spotted it in a store wrote on Instagram: “I’d get that TV just because Dua is on it. That’s how obsessed I am.”

A third said: “I’ve always said if you need anything selling, just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”

Ms Lepera added that Dua would not have agreed a Samsung deal anyway as she is “highly selective in her commercial partnerships”.

The London-born star, 30, is one of the world’s biggest pop stars, cracking America and winning three Grammy Awards.

She has signed a number of advertising deals to take her net worth in excess of £100million.

Dua is the face of Nespresso, alongside George Clooney, and also the frontwoman for Yves Saint-Laurent’s beauty products.

In 2023, she signed a seven- figure package to become the face of sports car brand Porsche, and she is in a multi-year partnership with sportswear giant Puma.

Samsung had yet to file a defence to the court. Both Samsung and Dua Lipa’s legal firm, MSK, were asked to comment.

AKON and Ne-Yo have been the soundtrack of our lives for the past two decades.

Between them, they have sold more than 55million records worldwide, thanks to a series of high-profile collaborations including Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Gewn Stefani and David Guetta.

In 2008, Akon teamed up with Michael Jackson to rework the King of Pop’s 1982 smash Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.

Now he tells Bizarre that he’s got his sights on teaming up with Princess of Pop Britney Spears.

Speaking to Bizarre’s Jack backstage at The O2 as he and Ne-Yo team up for a massive UK arena tour, Akon said: “Yeah, I would f***ing kill that record with Britney. I’m obsessed with her.

“I have some songs lined up, but I can’t even explain it. As for the sound, I think it needs to reflect where she’s at in her life.”

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He added: “That thing is beyond Britney. I can’t think of anyone that I haven’t worked with.

“So this is why I do a lot of collaborations with new artists, because that is what inspires me now.”

The duo have played just about every big arena in the country, including multiple nights at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena and four nights at London’s O2.

And fans there for their last night at the capital’s venue this Thursday are in for a treat as the show is nothing short of bonkers in the best way, with Akon crowd-surfing on a pimped-out table.

The hitmaker had kicked off the tour Zorbing over the crowd — but UK health and safety rules forced him to rethink his plans.

Akon said: “Yeah, the inflatable ball was my idea. I’ve been doing it at other places since about 2008, but the UK has got too many restrictions.”

Videos of Akon crowd-surfing have gone viral on social media, with overjoyed fans baffled and stunned at the singer’s ­daring display.

In one clip, the superstar can be heard telling ­security not to worry and to get out of the way, as his fans love him and won’t hurt him.

Admitting he has zero fears when it comes to entering the crowd, Akon said: “No, I’m not nervous about falling off at all.

“You have got to have balance, though.”

After we tell him we would need a vodka before hitting the stage, the teetotal star laughs: “That’s why you could never do it. You couldn’t balance on there.

“You would be wobbly the moment you get on top.”

In fact, the sober star says all he needs is a can of Coca-Cola and some jelly beans to get him pumped up for the two-and-a-half-hour show.

Akon said: “Back in the day I used to work out before a show, but now it comes so second nature, I just chill and relax until it’s time for me to get on. I literally have no rituals.

“I love jelly beans. I have them before my show every day. I like Coke as a nice refreshing drink, and I make fruit juices as well. Just the basic stuff — ginger and lemon teas.

“But for the show itself, it’s totally different. I turn into the Incredible Hulk. I just change when the lights come on. I turn into somebody totally different.

“I’m not exhausted by the end. I’m fully energised and ready to go again.”

While Akon is powered by jelly beans, it seems his co-headliner Ne-Yo gets his energy from Scampi Fries.

Bizarre are led through the rabbit warren of corridors in The O2, passing racks of diamond- encrusted clothes to meet the star ahead of the gig.

And when he emerges from his dressing room, he holds up two packs of the savoury snack, which can be found in most old boozers.

Clearly impressed and baffled by the quintessentially British treat, Ne-Yo says: “I’ve just discovered scampi snacks — I love them.”

Rather than bringing them with him on the road, bosses at The O2 have stocked his dressing room minibar with a ­plentiful supply.

We tell Ne-Yo that if he pops to the pub for a post-show pint, he will be able to ask for a bag of Scampi Fries alongside his Stella.

Ne-Yo, who has clocked up 20 UK Top 40 singles and five UK No1s, jokingly replies: “I’m going to invest in the company.”

Judging by their high-energy set, it seems jelly beans and Scampi Fries really are the way forward.

ZENDAYA: MY BALANCING  ACT

THEY are two of the biggest showbiz names on the planet.

But despite regularly being seen out and about together, Tom Holland and Zendaya are notoriously private when it comes to their relationship.

Now the Dune actress has revealed why she holds things back from fans – describing how she is locked in a daily battle over how much of her private life to share.

Zendaya said: “It’s a complex thing. It’s a balance of how to figure out how much to give of yourself, because I wouldn’t be in this position without the people who support me, and I want to be able to show them how thankful I am for their support.

“But then on the flip side, it is important to pour into yourself as well and hold things sacred to yourself and to your loved ones – to have those moments too and create that little healthy boundary.”

Zendaya and Tom married in secret this year after meeting on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

She added: “At the end of the day, you have to fill your cup too.

“I try to find that balance. There’s really no blueprint. There’s no road map.

“We don’t know what we’re doing. We’re just figuring this out every day.”

A $570m JACKO THRILLER

THE MICHAEL JACKSON biopic, Michael, has only been out for three weeks but is already breaking records.

The film has surpassed $570million (£420m) at the global box office – making it the No1 music biopic of all time in North America.

It is only the second music biopic ever to earn more than $500million at the box office, following in the footsteps of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Released in 2018, that film saw Rami Malek play the late Freddie Mercury, while former EastEnders actor turned X-Men hunk Ben Hardy played drummer Roger Taylor.

Meanwhile, in Michael, the late King of Pop is played by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson.

Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, has distanced herself from the project, accusing bosses of creating a “fantasy” with “full-blown lies”.

ARIANA: NEW LIFE BUDS IN PETALS

ARIANA GRANDE has continued to tease her upcoming eighth album, Petal.

The We Can’t Be Friends singer has insisted the new collection isn’t like her X-rated 2021 record Positions – despite previously referring to it as “a bit feral”.

Asked if the records will be similar, Ari simply replied: “No, but I love her [Positions] . . . I just enjoy evolving.”

The album’s lead ­single, Hate That I Made You Love Me, drops in just over a fortnight, with Petal released on July 31.

Ari’s previous album, 2024’s Eternal ­Sunshine, was all about her split from ­Dalton Gomez after three years of ­marriage, and finding love once more with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

Insisting Petal will be far more uplifting than her last offering, Ariana added: “Basically, it’s about something that is full of life growing through the cracks of something cold and hard and challenging.”

Doja’s frilled to hit  town  

LOOKS like less is more for Doja Cat.

The Paint The Town Red rapper clearly doesn’t feel the cold as she steps out in New York in this tiny outfit.

Looking ready to party into the night, Doja opted for a purple metallic crop-top and a tiny frilly brown skirt – which barely measures more than some of the belts I own.

Doja completed her look with an equally minuscule pink handbag, which looks like it would only be able to fit an iPhone and a ­single lighter.

She may be from Los ­Angeles, but Doja clearly has some northern grit in her.

HELLO JAMES – WHO’S THE LITTLE GUY ON YOUR KNEE?

I’VE posed for my fair share of unflattering pictures with stars over the years.

But James Martin may have just taken the crown when it comes to photographic oddities.

The TV chef shared this picture of himself with presenter Guy Martin after he appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning cookery show.

Due to the angle, James appears five times the size of Guy, who is perched next to him like a ­ventriloquist’s dummy.

The Instagram comments section was ­immediately filled with fans of the duo giving them a good old-fashioned ribbing.

One wrote: “Did you have him on a boil wash?” Another added: “Love Guy. I didn’t realise he was only 2ft tall though.”

A third teased: “Faith in the British sense of humour restored by reading this ­comment section.”

Seemingly oblivious to the epic fail, James gushed over his bromance with Guy, with the caption: “I’ve interviewed many people but Guy was a top one . . .fascinating man and a massive eater. Top show – hope you liked it.”

DANCEFLOOR legend Martin Garrix has confirmed my tale that his single with Ed Sheeran is just around the corner.

Over the weekend, a billboard with a message from Martin popped up in the Dominican Republic, where Shape Of You singer Ed has just played a show.

It read: “Hi Ed. Can we please release our song? Xx Marty.”

I told last month how the duo will be releasing Repeat It.

Show support

LEWIS CAPALDI has added some huge support acts to his BST Hyde Park shows in London.

The singer will be supported by a string of top names including The Vaccines for his July 11 gig and Alessi Rose for his July 12 date.

Before he reaches the capital, Lewis will also play the brand-new Roundhay Festival in Leeds on July 4.

Jessie Murph, Kerr Mercer and Nieve Ella have all been announced to support him at the show.

Going all out

WE can always count on Rita Ora to go all out when it comes to weird and wonderful outfit choices.

The singer and actress looks like she stepped straight off the runway in this quirky blue-striped co-ord on Sunday in London.

Rita was in high spirits as she headed to the Royal Albert Hall to rehearse for tonight’s special King’s Trust Celebration concert there.

Bizarre will be backstage to bring you all the gossip from the VIP-packed night.

FANCY grabbing a last-minute break during May half-term?
There are lots of late deals offering adventures and attractions galore.

Cruise on a fabulous liner, escape to the countryside, explore a city or bed down in a zoo. Trisha Harbord selects ten top getaways for all budgets, at home and abroad.

FRENCH FANCY

OOH la la! The French seaside resort of Le Touquet will be holding a British Week from May 25 to 31.

There will be a host of activities delivered in English, such as guided horse rides, while the seven miles of coastline and dunes make Le Touquet perfect for sand-yachting.

The resort, an hour’s drive from Calais, has over 70 restaurants, for all tastes and budgets.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the 3* ibis Styles, for two adults and two children, is from £366. See all.accor.com. Return ferry from Dover costs from £118. See irishferries.com.

BEACH PLEASE

Spanish TUI hotel to reopen next summer for adults only and it’s on the beach

RETREAT YOURSELF

From St Lucia to Ibiza – we tried 2 adults-only retreats for perfect reset

CRUISE CONTROL

YOU can’t beat a cruise for having everything on tap, and we really rate the no-fly MSC voyages on super-modern Virtuosa.

Enjoy five pools, a waterpark, clubs for kids, superb shows and an indoor promenade with restaurants, bars and shops.

The ship, sailing from Southampton, also has the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, who shakes and stirs cocktails.

GO: Two nights’ full-board from May 23 costs from £265pp. Five nights from May 25, visiting four ports including Bruges and Rotterdam, costs from £541pp. See cruise.co.uk.

MINT IMPERIAL

SPOIL yourself at the 5* Imperial Island Resort in Paphos, which reopened this week. Everything has been upgraded, from the rooms to the food, spa and kids’ clubs.

There are new outdoor play areas at the Cyprus hotel and numerous sports on offer.

Soak up the sun on the adjacent beach or head to Paphos Archaeological Museum and the medieval fort that overlooks the harbour.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive, based on two adults and two children sharing a superior family room, plus Gatwick flights on May 24, is from £1,072pp. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

ITALIAN JOB

THERE aren’t many kids who don’t like pizza, pasta and ice cream – and they can have all those on a cultural trip to Rome.

The Vatican museums, beautiful Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum amphitheatre are all must-sees.

There are also many children’s attractions, including interactive museums about everything from video games to illusions.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3* Hotel Morgana, including flights from Birmingham on May 25, costs from £469pp, based on a family of four. See jet2holidays.com.

STAR PLAYA

MENORCA may be one of the quieter Balearic Islands, but you won’t be bored here.

Choose from lying on the beach or going hiking, cycling or horse riding.

The 3H Vibra Caleta Playa apartments, surrounding a pool with kids’ area, all have air-con, kitchenettes and a balcony or terrace.

They are close to a sandy cove in Santandria and the historic former capital, Ciutadella.

GO: Five nights’ self-catering in a one-bed apartment for two adults and children, including flights from Gatwick on May 24, costs from £442 per person. See firstchoice.co.uk.

GO FOR ’BROKE

THERE’S a great deal from Pembrokeshire’s 4* Ty Hotel Milford Waterfront, with kids staying free during half-term.

The offer at the hotel, which overlooks the Milford Haven marina, runs rom May 22 to 31.

If the children love dinosaurs, be there on May 27 when Dinomania comes to town.

You can also rent kayaks from the beach activity centre, visit the maritime heritage museum, go hiking or enjoy ten-pin bowling.

GO: A family room for two adults and two children, including breakfast, is from £104. See ty-hotels.com and milfordwaterfront.co.uk.

RURAL SAVINGS

GET back to nature with up to 30 per cent off countryside breaks with Landal, which has resorts in areas including Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northamptonshire and Scotland.

Woodland Lakes, near Thirsk, North Yorks, has indoor pool, kids’ play areas, archery, fishing and a wellness centre.

It’s close to the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales and only a half-hour drive from the historic city of York.

GO: Four nights’ self-catering in a lodge sleeping four people from May 25 costs from £639. See landal.co.uk.

PIER WE GO

IT should be a great week in Great Yarmouth, with plenty to do in the Norfolk resort.

A pantomime of The Wizard Of Oz is being performed at Britannia Pier’s theatre between May 28 and 31, and the town has a festival of circus and arts from May 28 to 30.

Stay at Richardson’s Hemsby Beach holiday park and you’ll be spoiled for family-friendly activities, too.

GO: Four nights’ self-catering in a two- bedroom chalet from May 25 costs from £419. Details at richardsonsholidayparks.co.uk and visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk.

SHOW STOPPERS

TELLY favourites are appearing at Butlin’s, and there are three-night late deals from £48pp. Headline acts include The Masked Singer Live and the new Maximum Pro Wrestling show.

The resorts – in Skegness, Lincs, Somerset’s Minehead and Bognor Regis in West Sussex – also boast Splash Waterworld pools with slides, unlimited fairground rides and soft-play areas for kids.

GO: Three nights for four people sharing a two-bedroom Comfort room in Minehead from May 29 costs from £192. For more information or to book, see butlins.com.

WHERE THE ART IS

HELP Whipsnade Zoo roar into the Guinness World Records book as one of more than 14,000 people taking part in a paint-by- numbers challenge from May 23 to 31.

The masterpiece featuring 200 animals will celebrate the 200th birthday of ZLS – the conservation charity behind the Bedfordshire zoo.

Families picking up a brush will need to register on the GWR Verify app. Stay overnight in one of the zoo’s lodges and enjoy zoo tickets, private tours, breakfast and dinner.

GO: A lodge for two adults and two children is from £520. See whipsnadezoo.org.

TAYLOR SWIFT and fiancé Travis Kelce were snapped on a whirlwind trip to London last week – and I can reveal why they were in town.

The couple are planning a wedding party at celeb haunt The Chiltern Firehouse in August, a month after their upcoming New York nuptials.

The American lovebirds met the venue’s owner, US hotelier Andre Balazs, to discuss their VIP soiree for 120 guests.

The Chiltern restaurant and hotel remains shut to the public after a pizza-oven fire wrecked it early last year, but it is in the market for one-off events.

Noel Gallagher threw a bash there to mark the end of the US leg of the Oasis reunion tour.

The visit by Taylor and Kansas City Chiefs American football star Travis follows reports they will tie the knot in July in New York after getting engaged last year.

Party pals

Taylor Swift parties with Eugenie & Beatrice at Poppy Delevingne’s 40th birthday

PAY TAY!

Taylor Swift could land $800m payday for fellow musicians thanks to secret clause

An insider said: “London holds a huge place in Taylor’s heart and she has so many British friends who she wants to celebrate with.

“Travis and Taylor partied at the Chiltern two years ago following her Eras tour dates at Wembley, and it is a special place for her.

“They are working on a personalised menu with bespoke cocktails and carefully selected wines.

“They’re looking at entertainment options but Taylor obviously has lots of talented friends in the music industry so it’s likely some could end up performing.”

I’m told she was hoping to use the venue’s five-star hotel rooms, too, but they have not yet reopened.

Guests will include UK stars Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Ed Sheeran and Stella McCartney.

Before Travis, Taylor dated a string of Brits — The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, actors Joe Alwyn and Tom Hiddleston, DJ Calvin Harris and Harry Styles.

She has also written songs London Boy and So Long, London.

Now that she has finally found her forever man, I am so pleased she plans to celebrate in our capital.

Zara’s on a high

ZARA LARSSON rides the wave as she kicks off US TV channel Today’s Citi Summer Concert Series in New York City.

But the Swedish pop star, who looked stunning in a yellow skirt and matching top, almost had to pull out of the performance.

She told her fans on Instagram: “I was sooo nervous this morning because my voice was literally gone!

“But we pushed through. I had so much fun! Thank you to everyone for pulling up on me so early.”

Nic ‘n’ Tom have dare necessity

IT is known as the toughest show on TV – but ahead of the new series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, I can reveal at least two of the contestants, Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams and Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, reckon they have the steel to prevail.

A source said: “Tom has been training hard with a weighted vest in preparation for the show, and Nicola is no stranger to an intense training regime.”

The pair will join Towie legend Amy Childs and Married At First Sight star Ella Morgan in competing on the Channel 4 military-style challenge.

Meanwhile, singer Jojo Siwa and former Strictly pro dancer Giovanni Pernice are also lined up to take part.

Filming is taking place this summer in Malaysia, for the ninth series, which is expected to air next year.

Olivia in full bloom

OLIVIA RODRIGO looks super cute in dainty florals during a performance in Spain.

The Drop Dead singer wore a pink mini dress and black leather boots to play a Spotify Billions Club Live show in Barcelona.

The concert on Friday night kicked off El Clasico weekend ahead of the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid today.

The American hitmaker, who embarks on her Unraveled Tour in September, also posed with her nine Spotify plaques to commemorate her songs which have surpassed a billion streams.

Stones play Amy tribute

THE ROLLING STONES cover a song by the late Amy Winehouse on their new album, Foreign Tongues.

Out on July 10, it will see Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, pay tribute to Amy’s 2007 track You Know I’m No Good.

Sir Mick performed a duet with Amy during the Stones’ set at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007, four years before she died aged 27.

The album’s track list which was leaked by fans, also features lead single In The Stars and song Back In Your Life.

The latter has a guitar solo by Ronnie inspired by The Beach Boys star Brian Wilson – and it was recorded on the day Brian died, aged 82, in June last year.

Hit Me In The Head includes old recordings in Los Angeles with the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, aged 80.

Last month the band released another album track, Rough And Twisted, on vinyl under pseudonym The Cockroaches.

Dec 10 in secret filming

DECEMBER 10 have secretly filmed a music video for their hot new single Infinity (123).

I can reveal that the boys – Cruz, Danny, Hendrik, Sean, John, Josh and Nicolas – jetted to Palma, Mallorca to shoot the promo which will be released on Friday.

It comes as the band gear up for their first appearance at Capital’s Summertime Ball next month and the Summer Sonic festival in Japan in August.

Biz on Sunday’s Emily was lucky enough to catch up with the boys at their gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire last month.

And they will be returning to the London venue in July, for two sold-out nights.

Looks like they have a jam-packed summer.

Tom: Paul and I may be family

TOM GRENNAN has revealed he could be related to Irish actor Paul Mescal.

The Little Bit Of Love hitmaker bumped into the Normal People star at the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final in Dublin last year.

And he told Cork’s 96FM radio station: “Paul was there and he was like, ‘Is your dad here?’.

“He said, ‘Mate, my dad has been going on about your dad and he wants to speak to him’.

“Apparently, there’s some sort of relation!”

Tom, who welcomed daughter Dotty with wife Danniella Carraturo last summer, is set to release an album this year inspired by becoming a dad.

Talking about fatherhood, he said: “It has definitely had an impact on my songwriting.

“It’s opened up another chamber in my heart.”

Ramsay’s kitchen rebels

GORDON RAMSAY’s TV production company is making a fiery documentary series with the BBC about some of the biggest renegades in the restaurant world.

Rise Of The Rockstar Chefs will focus on Heston Blumenthal, Marco Pierre White, and, of course, Gordon himself.

A source said: “This bunch are set to lift the lid on their early days in the competitive restaurant world and share some of their juicy stories.”

Studio Ramsay’s glossy production will feature guest appearances from foodies Stanley Tucci, Prue Leith, and Pink Floyd‘s Nick Mason.

I’m told it’s set to air in the autumn.

‘Sore’ Stacey snubs BAFTAS

STACEY SOLOMON is snubbing this year’s BAFTA TV Awards after facing a backlash over her emotional reaction to losing at last year’s ceremony.

Instead of putting on a gown and trundling down the red carpet, the presenter is living her best life in Miami on a PAID Space NK brand trip with her kids. Good for her.

The Sort Your Life Out star was criticised online – with some trolls branding her a “sore loser” and a “spoiled brat” – after she admitted on Instagram that she was “devastated” her BBC show failed to win.

Although Sort Your Life Out was nominated in two categories, it missed out on a BAFTA, prompting Stacey to defend her hardworking team in the emotional video.

She said: “I know I’m supposed to take it gracefully like a champ, but I’ll be honest, I’m devastated.

“The crew also deserve the BAFTA after the effort they put into making the show.”

Other telly presenters giving this evening’s ceremony a miss are Rochelle Humes and Olivia Attwood, who are both joining Stacey in the sun.

MODEL Candice Swanepoel is rocking her new line in swimwear.

The 37-year-old perched on a seaside boulder to show off a bikini from her Tropic of C label’s collaboration with Victoria’s Secret.

Her environmentally-friendly collection is called Elemental, which she said “blends Victoria’s Secret’s iconic femininity with Tropic of C’s elevated, sustainable sensibility”.

South African Candice added: “Sustainability is a key part of my lifestyle.”

Not only is Candice regularly lauded as one of the world’s sexiest women, her bank balance isn’t looking too bad either – in 2016 she was ranked by Forbes as the 8th highest-earning model on the planet.

She didn’t scale back her modelling following motherhood and has shifted more lingerie than any other model.

Candice is considered the world’s top lingerie model not just because she has the most followers but because her online posts have far more impact than her catwalk contemporaries.

She recently caught the eye wearing a red Baywatch-style swimsuit.

In 2022 she was linked with dating rapper Kanye West.

She was then claimed to have grown close to pop star Harry Styles.

Glancing up from my chilli-prawn-laden pizza, I spot Declan Donnelly and his wife strolling into KOKO, our lunch spot in Portugal’s Quinta do Lago Resort.

It seems I’ve stumbled across people-watching heaven – this place is a playground for the rich and famous, with celebs including Niall Horan and Holly Willoughby also known to holiday here.

The setting is 15 minutes’ drive from Faro airport, where the landscape quickly transforms from rustic farmland to manicured streets, luxurious villas and luscious, green golf courses.

Designer-clad joggers take to the flower-lined paths, and sports cars meander down to the ocean.

If you didn’t know better, you could be driving through Palm Springs, not the Algarve.

My husband Grant and I have picked one of the more affordable stays – The Magnolia Hotel, a white villa designed like a ’50s motel, complete with illuminated sign and a kitsch, pastel interior.

BEACH PLEASE

Spanish TUI hotel to reopen next summer for adults only and it’s on the beach

MED FOR IT

We test two adults-only Mediterranean escapes from rooftop cool to beach bliss

Our favourite spot here soon becomes the sparkling pool, surrounded by bird of paradise plants, and boasting cabanas and a Balearic beats soundtrack.

Each morning, we find an abundant buffet, including top-notch ingredients for a full English, plus fruit, yoghurts, pastries and cheeses.

But the pièce de résistance are the cooked-to-order banana and toffee pancakes. Double rooms here cost from £124 B&B (Themagnoliahotelqdl.com).

Quinta do Lago itself is more like a town, so we hop on the hotel’s complimentary bikes to The Campus, a 15-minute ride away, to meet Luke, our calm and collected padel coach.

By the end of our hour’s lesson, £70, we’ve mastered both a rebound backhand and a volley (Thecampusqdl.com).

The next morning, we hire mountain bikes from The Bike Shed, £45 per day, to explore the boardwalks lining the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, and spy a purple heron and Eurasian oystercatchers on our ride down to the white-sand beaches.

Quinto do Lago Lake sits nearby with seafood eatery Casa do Lago and trendy tiki bar The Shack either side of the crystal-clear water.

After paddling around in kayaks, lapping up views of the mansions lining the lake, £18 for 30 minutes (Arturwatersports academy.pt), we head to the latter and gorge on zesty prawn tacos, £17.50, washed down with frozen margaritas, £12.

All of the resort’s restaurants are overseen by British executive chef Gareth Billington.

At Casa Velha, we share beef pica pau, a traditional Portuguese dish served in garlic gravy, £16.50, while the delicate sole at Casa do Lago, £37, paired with tomato salad and roasted potatoes, both £4.50, is a real treat and prepared at our table.

I head back to The Campus to work off some of our feasts at a Q Reformer Pilates 1-1 session, £48 for one hour, where instructor Pedro really challenges my strength and agility, before I’m tempted again at boutique cafe Pure.

Sipping on prosecco in the sun, with an afternoon tea spread of coronation chicken wraps, smoked salmon on toast, quiche and an array of home-made cakes, £33, I resolve to book a Reformer class back home.

Still, what’s life without a little cake?

A HEADY scent of garlic butter and grilled seafood is the perfect pairing to my view.

From beyond my mountainous crab platter, I can see dinky, weathered rowing boats bobbing on the winding creek, while the sun beams down on to a rickety jetty where seagulls are poised.

Spain may boast significantly warmer summer days than the UK, but when the sunshine makes an appearance on the south-west coast of England, there is truly no better place in the world to be.

Salcombe has always been on my bucket list.

Before my recent visit, I had heard of the Devon town’s beauty through travel magazines and friends — some of whom were so captivated by its scenery, they chose it as the place where they popped the question.

And I get their thinking.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Charmingly wonky pubs overlook vibrant blue waters dotted with sailing boats, while narrow streets a little way back from the seafront are lined with candle shops, small boutiques and delicatessens serving fresh cockles.

I was visiting with my family as part of my mum’s 60th birthday celebrations and we were really pushing the boat out — pun intended.

Our ultra-luxurious holiday home, carved into a tall cliff, had views that somehow surpassed those from the main harbour and was kitted out with everything you could ever need for a celebratory getaway — and more.

It may come with a luxurious price tag, but if you do have plans to propose or are celebrating a milestone birthday, this house is the perfect place.

Set a little stroll away from Salcombe’s main hub, just above South Sands Beach, Lilleby is split across several floors, with five immaculately decorated bedrooms, a huge living room complete with pool table, and various levels of outdoor terraces affording sea-view al-fresco dining, a barbecue, hot tub and sunloungers.

The highlight of the Finest Stays property, however, is undoubtedly the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow for prime views of the sea waves colliding into rocks and the pretty pastel houses that line the sandy shore.

The property’s interior design and furnishing only makes things more dreamy — marshmallow-like sofas, glossy bathrooms kitted out with giant reed diffusers and a sleek kitchen that comes with all the mod-cons and enough utensils for hosting a fancy dinner party or proposal meal.

Mornings were spent wandering to the quiet beach below — a gate at the bottom of the property’s garden offers direct access to the footpath which leads to the sands.

At this time of year, the undisturbed pathway is carpeted in fragrant wild garlic that can be foraged for feasts back at Lilleby.

If you’re not one for cooking, South Sands Beach is home to a glorious cafe, Bo’s Beach, with a wide decking area located right above the sands and furnished with wooden picnic benches facing the ocean.

We gobbled egg and bacon baps with coffee while watching the sea tractor ferry passengers from boats to dry land.

For a proper Devon lunch or dinner, head to Crab Shed, a stunning 45-minute stroll north of here.

This teeny restaurant has won awards for its high-quality and excellently cooked seafood, plucked fresh from local waters.

Try the whole cracked crab, its star dish, served with baguette, crispy fries and a crab cracker so you can scoop the meat from the legs and claws.

Opt for it cold, served with mayonnaise, or hot and doused in garlic butter.

Don’t forget to visit Salcombe Dairy for a scrumptious scoop of ice cream afterwards, and the Salcombe Distilling Company for a gin-tasting experience.

For a proper pint, The Ferry Inn has a great beer garden jutting out over the water.

Keep your eyes peeled for one of the many festivals throughout the year, too.

These include the Town Regatta, taking place from late July to early August.

We’re an energetic family, so much of our time was taken up exploring some of the breathtaking hiking trails nearby.

More serious hikers may even want to make their way to Dartmoor National Park, around a 30-minute drive away, to tread moss-covered hills where wild ponies and deer graze.

Even if you have packed your best camera, this scenery has to be seen to be believed — especially the views from the kitchen of Lilleby.

Just be prepared, you may feel more than a little crabby when you have to leave.

AFTER my sixth glass of wine, the boat began to rock – the first time in three days I felt like I was on the water.

Cruising down France’s majestic River Loire on board CroisiEurope’s Loire Princesse, I had to put it down to my slightly tipsy state, as until then, the unique long, low vessel had drifted along peacefully for the entire voyage.

The ship has side-mounted paddle wheels and is designed to sail on France’s last wild river, known for its shallowness.

There’s a relaxed atmosphere on board, and unlike its ocean-going cousins, the Loire Princesse has a vibe that’s all about enjoying the slower pace   —   eating, drinking and snoozing as you pass through stunning scenery.

I joined the four-night Croisi-Europe sailing just a day after my 30th birthday and the gentle pace of the cruise was exactly what I needed after big celebrations back in London.

If you thought river cruises were for older folks you’d largely be right — I was the youngest person on board by about 20 years.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

But that is not to say it was sedate — there was an open bar and at dinner my glass was constantly topped up.

Servers eventually just left entire bottles of red on our table.

The Loire Princesse took us from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire on the west coast and back again.

And Nantes, the sixth largest French city, was a highlight of the trip.

Just an hour’s flight from London, it is the perfect weekend getaway destination, with all the charm of a French city without the bustle of Paris or the remoteness of Provence.

With clean, cobbled streets, Nantes is home to plenty of exiles from Paris looking for a cheaper, quieter life, and the city feels like a mini version of it.

From July to September, follow the Green Line, or Le Voyage à Nantes — literally painted on to the pavement, it leads you through the city to discover hidden street art, pop-up installations and all the best viewing points, without needing a map.

Another arty must-do is Les Machines de I’île — unique steampunk-like artistic projects inspired by the fantasy worlds of 19th-century writer Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes.

The Grand Elephant is a 40ft mechanical jumbo made of wood and steel that walks across the quay at the city’s former shipyards, trumpeting and spraying water at unsuspecting onlookers.

You can even ride inside it.

And you can admire Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins — a giant, three-storey carousel filled with mechanical sea monsters which you can operate yourself.

And I am sure you’ll be inspired to create something beautiful yourself after a tipple or two in the Loire Valley.

The region is home to its own variety of vino — Muscadet — grown at the western end of the valley.

Muscadet is a dry, crisp white and is currently going through a bit of a renaissance, so an opportunity to visit one of the world-class wineries in the region is an absolute must.

On my trip, there were three day-trip excursions from the cruise, one of which was included in the price of the voyage, the others costing around £68 each.

In one day-long excursion from the cruise we travelled south of Nantes to the beautiful vineyard of Cassemichere.

Rather dramatically, our guide told us how the vintner’s brother had died just three weeks earlier, after opening a tank and being poisoned by the carbon dioxide flowing out.

Like the bizarre plot of some twisted nursery rhyme, the poor man had then fallen into the wine.

But I didn’t let that put me off the tasting, and I can confirm that the white made at Cassemichere pairs well with seafood.

We also visited nearby Clisson, a medieval village known for its unique Italian-inspired architecture, with a charming river flowing through the middle of it.

Clisson is the kind of place they stick on the front of the tourist brochure — large trees hanging over the flowing water with an old bridge to cross it.

It was full of history as well, and with typical French frankness, our guide told us how, in the 18th century, women had been boiled at the castle during the Revolution.

On another day trip from the boat we visited two gorgeous chateaus in the centre of the Loire Valley.

The beautiful homes are now museums, with manicured gardens which were lovely to walk around on a blue-sky day.

Each day trip came with a three-course lunch and again, plenty of wine.

At the Chateau de Villandry — a world heritage site — we ate a beautiful chicken lunch in a spot where weddings are hosted.

After all that wine and food I was in desperate need of a nap when we got back to the boat.

Luckily for us, the rooms were cleaned every day, had a sizeable bathroom and were quiet.

Cabins on the upper deck have balconies, while those on the main deck have picture windows to watch the scenery glide by.

When it came to the evening’s festivities, an intercom in our room would call us to the lounge, where we would enjoy several pre-dinner drinks.

Then, in a nice touch by staff, we would have our dinner menu announced to us.

As with the included breakfast and lunch, dinner was an à-la-carte affair.

Think refined French comfort food — plenty taking inspiration from the surrounding Loire region, including fresh seafood and local cheeses.

And, of course, the wine flowed freely — particularly the Muscadet, which was available every night with whatever dish.

In summer months, the ship’s sun deck with its deck chairs and sun loungers is the perfect place to enjoy another cheeky glass while soaking up the sun.

With its access to stunning cities and chateaus, fine food and wine, river cruises don’t only appeal to the older lot on board.

From now on I am a convert too — and got the boat rocking!

BAKING is usually a precise art. But in St Louis, it was a faux pas that resulted in one of the American city’s most cherished baked foods: The gooey butter cake.

It was the 1930s and the Great Depression was in full force — ingredients were precious and food couldn’t be wasted.

So when a German-American baker accidentally swapped the quantities of flour and butter around for his traditional cake batter, he had to chuck it in the oven and flog it.

Luckily, the sticky outcome was very much to locals’ taste — and it quickly became a symbol of St Louis.

This sums up the city in a nutshell.  

The place encompasses a happy-go-lucky attitude, and gooey butter cake is just one of many joyous accidents to have occurred here.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Take toasted ravioli, for example. The popular dish, found on many restaurant menus, was initially created by a St Louis chef who mistakenly dropped pasta into frying oil.

Then there’s the waffle ice cream cone. It was popularised at the 1904 World’s Fair when a server who, having run out of tubs, transformed a neighbouring vendor’s waffles into cone-shaped vessels for his scoops.

This was my first visit and you’ve probably already guessed that I didn’t go hungry.

Until recently, most UK holidaymakers would have passed through this area on the famous Route 66, but last month, British Airways launched direct flights to St Louis in Missouri from London Heathrow.

Just make sure you pronounce it “Lewis” to avoid another faux pas.

The city’s shining star landmark is the Gateway Arch, at the edge of the Mississippi River.

It’s the tallest man-made monument in the USA — 630ft — and offers wonderful panoramic views of the city from its peak.

As well as toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, St Louis is also the home of Budweiser beer.

Although the original recipe is thought to have been invented in the Czech Republic, where it was sold as Budweis, St Louis is the confirmed birthplace of the Budweiser version — adapted to suit the American palate.

The Anheuser-Busch brewery is still churning out bottles of the stuff today, and you can tour its massive vats, learning about the fermenting process, or even visit its famous Clydesdale horses — which have starred in many a Super Bowl ad.

All of the tours are decent value, too — starting from $15 (£11) for a 75-minute tour of the brewhouse, including a free beer.

If you’re more of a cocktail fan, head to Midtown.

Here, you’ll find None Of The Above on the pedestrianised Foundry Way — a sexy underground speakeasy serving unusually savoury cocktails that pack a punch.

Soak it all up with some barbecue from Salt + Smoke (there are several venues) or tuck into a sophisticated example of toasted ravioli at Katie’s opposite the baseball stadium, where the atmosphere is always thumping on game day.

The sports scene is big here, so try to catch a game — baseball, hockey, soccer . . . take your pick.

And if you’re a fan of street art, venture to The Walls Off Washington on Washington Avenue, home to some 33 murals by local artists.

Or book a room at the 21c Hotel.

With incredibly stylish bedrooms and a modern art museum on the second floor that’s open 24/7, it’s great for those early jet lag mornings.

Temperatures in St Louis reach highs of around 33C in summer, so I’d recommend cooling down with a famous “concrete” from Ted Drewes on Route 66.

These tubs of frozen custard were so named because of their stiff consistency.

Servers will hold the tubs upside down to prove how solid they are.

Or opt for a gooey butter cake ice cream — Clementine’s does some of the best (the small chain has several stores dotted around the city).

Whoever thought to combine creamy vanilla gelato with chunks of soft and sweet golden butter cake is a genius.

Or was that just a happy accident, too?