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Rebecca Legon was born with a rare condition called PFFD, which stopped her leg from forming correctly during early fetal development. She has spoken about the issues she has encountered while travelling

A star of Britain’s Missing Next Top Model is ‘treated like a security risk’ at airports because she has a limb difference.

Rebecca Legon was born with a rare condition called PFFD, which stopped her leg from forming correctly during early foetal development. She had it partly amputated at the age of six, so she could wear a prosthesis and lead a more active life.

The East Sussex woman can’t run, but is pretty mobile with a walking stick and leads a full, happy life. “Because I was born like that, I grew up and adapted. In daily life, I kind of do pretty well,” she told the Mirror.

As is the case for many people with disabilities, travelling can be a huge source of anxiety and problems for Rebecca. Issues that may seem small to some people, such as a broken escalator, can become serious obstacles for her.

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“It’s the invisible barriers that make life extra tough. A few weeks back, I was coming home from my family holiday. The flight was delayed. I had my 10 and 7-year-olds with me. I had to make it to the connecting flight, with the kids in tow and hand luggage. I was worried we weren’t going to make it.

“As we exited the aircraft, an escalator was out of order. I made it up, but it was really difficult in an already challenging moment. As I sat on the flight, I thought, ‘It’s crazy this keeps happening.'”

Over the years, Rebecca has encountered many hurdles while travelling, including hotel bathrooms without accessible showers. “You have to crawl in,” the mum-of-two, who starred on the BBC Three show Britain’s Missing Top Model, explained.

Airport security is also a problem. “During the security checks, you get yourself worked up and anxious. It makes you feel like you’re guilty. You’re extra manhandled. The problem is that the laws vary. There is no one rule that fits all,” Rebecca said.

“On two occasions, I have had to take my prosthesis off completely. You have crazy thoughts at that point. You are quite vulnerable. Is anyone going to mess with it? They’re taking part of your body and putting it through a security scanner. Sometimes they make you take your trousers down. It is very invasive and not very comfortable.”

Most of the issues arise in countries where airport technology is less advanced. Rebecca believes if all airports had full-body scanners, then she would encounter far fewer difficulties when travelling.

“The second incident, which really shocked me, was at Dubai airport in 2023. Despite Dubai being known for such fantastic accessibility, I was pulled aside by the head of security who demanded a search in a private room and insisted I remove my prosthesis to be put through the security scanner,” she said.

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“It was a frightening experience, and I felt extremely vulnerable and disrespected. Thankfully, I was travelling with close friends, so I felt safer that I wasn’t alone. There seemed to be no legitimate reason for her request – it has left me a little anxious about returning to visit my best friend who lives there.”

Rebecca proudly represented England’s Lionesses amputee football team at the inaugural Women’s World Cup in Colombia in 2024 and is passionate about supporting the global rise of inclusive sport.

She is also a keen hiker and lover of physical challenges. She believes the mind is often stronger than the body. Through her advocacy, she inspires others to embrace resilience. With determination and a positive mindset, she believes that almost anything is possible.

Sadly, her experience is not unusual; recent research from MMGY, of more than 3,473 adults, revealed that 84% of individuals with accessibility needs have had a negative experience while travelling.

The top five issues included:

• Challenges with accessible transportation
• Difficulty boarding or disembarking
• Inaccessible or unclear travel information
• Costs associated with accessible travel
• Lack of staff training on how to assist passengers with mobility needs

Rebecca is a supporter of Ottobock’s Invisible Class campaign, which aims to raise awareness of issues and demonstrate the potential that arises from sharing knowledge, challenging established structures and making experiences visible. Ottobock has created a A Guide To Accessible Travel for individuals seeking to support the community and join the journey to make every journey possible.

Tourists visiting France needn’t speak perfect French, but these seven essential phrases can make all the difference in the kind of holiday you experience abroad.

A French cultural advisor has unveiled seven essential phrases that could completely change how locals treat British tourists visiting France.

MaryAnne Sparkes, cultural advisor at cruise company European Waterways, says British visitors needn’t speak perfect French but must master a handful of crucial phrases to avoid being dismissed in the globe’s most-visited destination.

Sparkes counsels British holidaymakers planning journeys across the Channel as she says: “Locals don’t expect fluent French but you do need to say Bonjour and a couple of other key words to avoid offending. In some places one word is your ticket to being treated like a local.”

The cultural advisor explains French etiquette remains hidden until violated, particularly in scenic regions where life follows a customary pace.

“In France etiquette is invisible until you get it wrong. Skipping a simple greeting can instantly brand you as an outsider especially in the prettiest parts of the country” she says.

According to Sparkes, the most vital phrase is “Bonjour” which should never be omitted when entering shops, restaurants or any social environment. “Bonjour isn’t just a greeting. It’s a sign of mutual respect” she points out. “It’s how you announce that you see and acknowledge someone.”

The expert emphasises six additional indispensable phrases British visitors should master before arrival, which include “s’il vous plaît” (please) when requesting anything from café orders to directions. Sparkes observes courtesy operates as social currency in France, with minor pleasantries creating a substantial impact on how residents react.

“Excusez-moi” (excuse me) comes third on the essential list for navigating crowds or making enquiries, followed by “Comment ça va?” (how are you?) which demonstrates genuine concern even during fleeting interactions.

The cultural expert also suggests perfecting “Merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) for any kindness from opening doors to serving meals.

For unavoidable tourist blunders, “Je suis désolé(e)” (I’m sorry) preserves social peace.

The concluding expression “Puis-je…?” (May I…?) should be employed when seeking approval in official circumstances.

The specialist emphasises these expressions prove most effective when spoken with genuine intent rather than flawless accent. “French etiquette isn’t complicated but it is expected. These phrases make the difference between being tolerated and being truly welcomed”, she says.

The advice emerges as statistics demonstrate approximately 17 million British nationals travel to France annually despite its standing as one of the most discourteous nations globally. As increasing numbers of British holidaymakers explore beyond conventional tourist destinations into countryside villages, these social signals become progressively vital.

Whilst fluency remains unnecessary, grasping fundamental cultural standards opens the door to friendlier, more genuine encounters across the nation. Sparkes emphasises that modest linguistic attempts demonstrate respect for French culture, which residents recognise and value.

“You don’t need perfect French. Just showing you’ve made an effort with these few phrases opens doors to genuine connections with locals” she says.

For British holidaymakers planning French getaways, European Waterways recommends practicing these expressions beforehand, observing that even flawed efforts generate favour from residents.

The cultural advisor concludes that learning these seven expressions enables tourists to discover authentic France beneath the tourist veneer.

EXCLUSIVE: Love Island’s Malin Andersson, who starred in the second season of the ITV2 dating show in 2016, has slammed the series as ‘toxic’ and said it should be taken off air

Former Love Island star Malin Andersson, who shot to fame on series two, has radically changed her opinion of the hit dating show, branding it “full of toxicity” and insisting it should be axed.

While other participants, including Amy Hart and Amber Davies, have praised the show for its support and aftercare – with Olivia Attwood saying “ Love Island saved me”– Malin, who took part in the show in 2016, has a very different view.

Here, the 32-year-old, who memorably confronted ex Terry Walsh in the villa, tells new why she feels so strongly about her time on Love Island and why she would be dead against her daughter Xaya, three, going on the show when she’s older.

Hi, Malin! Love Island’s back but you’re not watching. Why?

I haven’t watched any of them. It should be axed. When I was on it, we were naive, it felt more organic – still scripted but more authentic. Even then, it wasn’t pure, it was full of toxicity. Now millions watch it, especially young people, and their idea of love gets completely skewed.

Some contestants spiral completely. Did you ever feel like that on the show? Oh, 100%. I felt disposable, like a piece of rubbish tossed aside. In there, you’re fighting to be seen, to be a main character, seeking validation. It’s not healthy – it creates unrealistic drama and messes up how viewers see love. The whole thing is toxic and should go in the bin. Let’s talk about the time when you came back in to confront Terry. How did that happen? I was already partying in Spain when Emma [Jane Woodhams] went in with the TOWIE lot. They realised I was nearby and asked me to come in too. So I did the next day. Were you watching the show then?

No. I was just partying and Tweeting stuff to provoke producers to get me back in – and it worked.

How did you feel after confronting Terry? Did it bring clarity? No, it just showed me that I had been attracting terrible men my whole life until I figured out why.

How did you heal? It’s been a powerful journey but not easy. I had to look at parts of myself I didn’t want to see – why I wanted to be seen, why I accepted bad love. It starts with what we’re shown as kids. TV shows like Love Island feed the same toxic ideas. They don’t care about feelings – just money and drama. I wish there were shows about real healing. Why do you think people love watching the show? People are living through other people’s lives because they want escapism. We’re all scrolling, looking at everyone else’s stories, wanting to be part of it. The format is easy: pretty girls, good-looking guys who can’t even talk properly. It’s a quick dopamine hit. This year they say they will show sex on screen if it happens, to show “real relationships”. What are your thoughts? They’re struggling for viewers, that’s all. It’s not real – living in a house with people with no phone or sanity, isn’t real. When you were there, did producers suggest you talk to certain people or stir things? All the time. If people were gossiping about me, they’d tell me to go over. They’d nudge conversations or set up who should talk to whom. It’s all manipulated for reactions. So why did you decide to go on the show in the first place? I’d been on Take Me Out at 18. The same producer called me a year later, asked if I was single. I said yes, and they fast-tracked me in, I didn’t even audition. I was just a young girl wanting fun – clueless, really. This year on Love Island there are older contestants – 30 and 29. The youngest is 22. How does that dynamic work? The older ones get seen as Mummy and Daddy, that’s how society is. I’m 32 and people act like that’s ancient. The show pushes a narrow look – perfect bodies, the “ideal” appearance. Anything outside that is labelled abnormal. It tells kids they have to fit that mould.

How about diversity? There are more people from different backgrounds on the show… It’s sad we even have to call it “diverse”. We should just be one mix of people – different races, professions, appearances. We’re all the same inside. Are you looking for love now? I feel he’s around the corner! I want someone with a pure soul and real masculine energy – not ego-driven but someone who makes me feel safe. I’m not really dating right now. Will you tell your daughter about your time on the show? She’ll find out eventually. She sees how I live and grow, and that’s why I feel so strongly about all this – to protect her too. If she ever wanted to go on Love Island, what would you say? Nah, babes. I’d tell her no way – with no reason given.

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BROOKLYN Beckham’s wife Nicola Peltz allegedly treated Romeo’s ex-girlfriend “appallingly”, leading to the feud between the brothers, it’s claimed.

Nicola, 30, and her husband Brooklyn, 26, have suffered a rift with his famous family after the couple snubbed his dad David’s 50th birthday bash earlier this month.

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Reports have “blamed” Romeo’s current girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 24, for the feud – with her and Brooklyn having briefly dated in 2016.

But sources claim the row has actually been brewing for years and was originally first sparked in the run-up to Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish Florida wedding in 2022.

Guests at the ceremony are reported to have found the bride’s behaviour “absolutely baffling” – with her allegedly completely ignoring 22-year-old Romeo’s then-partner model Mia Regan.

Nicola had also supposedly been blanking her in the run-up to the big day, despite Mia and Romeo having dated for three years at the time.

To make matters worse, Romeo was Brooklyn’s best man, alongside their younger brother Cruz, 20.

“Brooklyn and Romeo have been fighting for a significant amount of time,” an insider told Daily Mail.

“They do not get on. It has been so difficult for David and Victoria.”

They went on to say the two brothers were “once inseparable” and both doted on their two youngest siblings, Cruz and sister Harper, 13.

The source added: “Things have been terrible for a long time. It has upset their mum and dad so much. All they ever wanted was a big, happy family.”

Brooklyn’s wedding was a “turning point” for the family, with Romeo said to have found “the drama unnecessary”, it is claimed.

Brooklyn and Nicola have both previously denied there’s a rift with the family – despite reports suggesting they no longer speak to the Beckham side.

It was previously reported Brooklyn questioned Kim’s “motives” for starting a relationship with his younger sibling.

He is also said to have felt uncomfortable that his ex would be in attendance at his dad’s birthday bash.

But the blame was levelled at Nicola, which upset Brooklyn, according to a source.

They told The Sun: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”

All of Brooklyn’s siblings turned out to party with their dad, mum, and A-list names like Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie.

But Beck’s eldest child and his wife were nowhere to be seen.

And since the snub, a rift between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo has been uncovered.

The Sun understands Nicola and Brooklyn had intended to be at David’s birthday bash but cancelled at short notice due to Kim being in attendance.

also missed an intimate evening earlier this month at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.