Unexpected

The government has asked the media regulator to revisit its rules on phone companies raising their prices in the middle of a contract, after O2 unexpectedly announced it was raising prices by £2.50 a month.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said O2’s higher than expected price increase is “disappointing given the current pressures on consumers”.

“I believe we need to go further, faster. I am keen that we look at in-contract price rises again,” she wrote in a letter to the media regulator.

Ofcom said it shared the government’s concern “customers who face price rises must be treated fairly by mobile providers”.

O2 said in a statement: “We appreciate that price changes are never welcome, but we have been fully transparent with our customers about this change, writing directly to them and providing the right to exit without penalty if they wish.”

Ofcom has been given until 7 November to respond to Ms Kendall’s letter, and said it would respond to her specific questions shortly.

In January, new rules came in which cracked down on phone and broadband providers increasing prices in the middle of a contract without warning.

However, last week O2 announced it would be raising its monthly prices by more than originally promised.

It was able to do this because the increase was not linked to inflation, and it has given customers 30 days to leave without penalty – so long as they pay off the cost of their device in full.

The company said it has not gone against the regulation and Ofcom’s rules do not stop providers from raising prices.

“A price increase equivalent to 8p per day is greatly outweighed by the £700m we invest each year into our mobile network, with UK consumers benefitting from an extremely competitive market and some of the lowest prices compared to international peers,” it said.

Ms Kendall said O2 went “against the spirit” of the rules in her letter to Ofcom’s chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes.

She has asked Ofcom to look into whether the 30-day switching period makes it easy enough for consumers to move to another provider.

“I would welcome your undertaking a rapid review on how easy it is for customers to switch providers,” she said.

“If companies are determined to increase pricing, it is beholden on us to make sure that customers are able to go elsewhere as easily as possible.”

She has also asked for an assessment into whether the January rules give consumers enough transparency into price rises during their contracts.

Ofcom’s rules require companies to tell customers how much their bills will rise by in pounds and pence before their contract starts.

O2 initially said its monthly prices would increase by £1.80 a month in April 2026 for current customers.

But the firm now says they will go up by £2.50 instead.

Ms Kendall said she wants phone providers to inform all their customers – including those whose contracts started before the new rules – how much their monthly prices will go up by.

“We’ve always said fixed should mean fixed,” said Tom MacInnes, director of policy at the Citizens Advice charity, and added the current rule “hasn’t gone far enough to protect customers”.

“If one company is able to get away with this, other providers could follow suit,” he said.

“The time has come for the regulator to banish mid-contract price rises for good.”

Meanwhile, telecoms analyst Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight said UK network operators are “cash-strapped as margins are being squeezed”.

He added: “Striking the right balance between raising much-needed funds and investing in next-generation networks is never easy.”

But he said while other providers would have usually followed in announcing similar prices rises, “it seems highly unlikely that rivals will follow suit, given the consumer backlash and awareness generated thus far”.

Sitting on the border of England and Wales, this quaint town has open bookshelves in the streets and independent bookshops lining the roads, drawing in readers from across the UK

Nestled beneath the ruins of a picturesque castle, with open bookshelves lining the streets and independent bookshops at every turn, Hay-on-Wye is an avid reader’s dream come true.

This quaint town, largely dedicated to the joy of reading, has been a haven for book lovers since 1961 when Richard Booth opened his first shop. It quickly transformed into a literary hotspot.

Today, it boasts over 20 bookshops and hosts an annual festival that attracts some of the world’s most esteemed authors and thinkers. The Hay Festival spans ten days from May to June each year.

The inception of the Hay Festival in 1988 put the town firmly on the global map as a literary sanctuary. Past guest speakers have included renowned actors such as Judi Dench and Jude Law, and even former US president Bill Clinton.

Among the castle ruins lies a unique book spot where visitors can browse open-air shelves brimming with books. Operating on an honesty system, tourists are expected to leave money in a payment box after selecting their books, which typically range from £1 to £6.

A TripAdvisor review says: “This is a very interesting place to visit with fabulous guides who have so much knowledge of the castle and it’s history…. there is also a very good gift shop with an amazing array of history books and gifts of all kinds. I would definitely encourage you to visit.”

Book lovers will find plenty to explore amongst the town’s beloved independent shops. The original Richard Booth Bookshop remains one of Hay’s largest, offering both new and second-hand titles alongside welcoming nooks where visitors can settle in with a good read.

For something different, the Hay Cinema Bookshop occupies a former picture house spread across two storeys. Its extensive collection is made easier to browse thanks to helpful signage throughout the sprawling sections.

Castle Bookshop earns high praise from bibliophiles and ranks amongst TripAdvisor’s must-visit destinations in the town. One review notes: “Best place in Hay for all types of books, with many bargains to be had. Has a lovely selection of old as well as new books.

“The only bad mark is it is not good for the disabled, as everything is up and down steps and tight walkways. But if you are a book fan, you must give it a visit.”

Emmerdale may have aired a brutal and unexpected death on Thursday night, as one teen committed a violent act in self-defence as the County Lines plot escalated

Another death could be looming on Emmerdale, months on from multiple characters facing grim demises.

Thursday’s episode hinted a character had been killed off without warning, while another villager could face a grim fate too. A character was attacked with a glass bottle, and left lifeless and bleeding in dramatic scenes.

There was also concern for missing teenager Dylan Penders who had not been seen since another run-in with villain Ray Walters. As for the possible death victim, newcomer Callum was attacked in self-defence by teenager April Windsor.

She was left shaken when she saw Callum slumped on the bed after she hit him, with blood pouring from his head. He looked dead if not seriously injured, while fans will have to tune in on Friday to find out his fate.

READ MORE: Coronation Street star reveals favourite’s return and teases mystery new characterREAD MORE: Emmerdale fans fume over ‘invisible’ character: ‘How has no one noticed?’

He had just forced himself on April, attempting to rape her after she tried to flee the room they were in. She’d been sent there by Ray and evil Celia, who are heading up a dangerous drugs scheme which April and Dylan have been drugged into.

Convincing April and Dylan they are in serious debt, Ray and Celia have made it clear that they expect 16-year-old April to have sex with their clients to pay the money back, and to keep their clients returning. The grim storyline has also seen the pair getting closer to other villagers linked to April to put on the pressure.

April is terrified, and reluctantly agreed to meet with client Callum knowing he was paying Ray and Celia to sleep with her. As the episode went on, a scared April decided she didn’t want to go through with it.

Callum turned on her though, claiming he didn’t care what she did or didn’t want and he was “gonna do it anyway”. He then warned her there was no escape as he’d locked them both in.

As he began to undress the teenager, April freaked out and pushed him away only for him to grab her. As she managed to get him off, she picked up the vodka bottle and slammed it over his head.

Callum landed on the bed lifeless, with blood pouring out from his head. April gasped as she watched on terrified, but has she killed him? If she has, how will Celia and Ray react?

It comes as Mark Charnock, who plays April’s father Marlon Dingle, teased a massive twist is on the way. He said something that happens in a special episode with April and Marlon left him “thrown”.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The stunning Mughal Indian-style building built in 1805 offers guests a slice of India — right in the heart of Gloucestershire’s picturesque Cotswolds countryside

What if we told you that a 200-year-old Indian-style palace, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, is tucked away in the heart of Gloucestershire?

While the Cotswolds are typically associated with charming cottages, chocolate-box homes, and honey-hued mansions that seem frozen in time, nestled in the idyllic Cotswolds countryside — Sezincote House and its estate offer a taste of India just outside Moreton-in-Marsh.

This traditional family-run estate spans approximately 3,500 acres of undulating countryside, complete with waterfalls, canals, grottoes, and temples. The house and garden welcome visitors at specific times throughout the year, and the unique location hosts six weddings each summer in its breathtaking grounds.

Perched roughly 600 feet above sea level in the North Cotswolds, Sezincote House remains privately owned and operates a thriving agricultural estate. This provides resources to support both the intricate rural life in the region and the maintenance of the house. A brother-sister team manage the home and the estate, with assistance from the older generation and keen interest from the younger ones.

Operating in line with traditional English practices, the estate boasts a mixed farming enterprise, ensuring proper fencing and permanent grassland. This is complemented by woodlands that provide an ideal habitat for local wildlife and a source of timber, reports Gloucestershire Live.

However, Sezincote House is far from ‘traditionally English’. Designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell, this historic edifice was built in 1805 and stands as a stellar example of Neo-Mughal architecture, offering a 19th-century take on 16th and 17th century Mughal design.

John Cockerell initially purchased the vast country estate as a display of his wealth. However, it was his brother Charles Cockerell who truly transformed the property after inheriting it three years later following John’s demise.

Charles then sought the expertise of his architect brother Samuel and artist Thomas Daniell, renowned for his sketches of Indian properties, to design a house inspired by a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture — something he had seen plenty of during his travels.

Samuel had previously experimented with subtle Indian features at Daylesford House in the Cotswolds, but he fully embraced the style at Sezincote, incorporating peacock-tail windows, jali-work railings, and pavilions. George IV, while still Prince Regent, visited Sezincote and is said to have been so smitten with the design that he instructed his architects to incorporate similar elements into the Brighton Pavilion that was being built for him.

The grand building has the red sandstone look that’s typical of Mughal architecture and instead of the famed white marble (as seen in the likes of popular structures like the Taj Mahal), this building features a large copper-covered, onion-shaped dome instead.

The home’s fenestration features a series of oversized windows crowned with arch-shaped tops. However, these arches depart from conventional forms, taking the shape of shell-like fans that reveal a distinctly Mughal influence. In contrast, the interior design adheres more closely to European stylistic traditions.

The estate’s landscape, designed by Humphry Repton, reflects a Renaissance-style garden interwoven with elements of Hindu architecture – most notably expressed through the crescent bridge supported by intricate columns. Minarets and a temple dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God, also lend to its Indian heritage and influence. A Persian Garden of Paradise adds to its breathtaking charm.

While Sezincote Garden continues to welcome visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between October and November, both the Sezincote House and the Orangery Tearoom have shut their doors for the season, with plans to reopen in 2026.

Entry to the Sezincote Garden will set adults back by £9, while children aged 16 and under can get in for £3. A visit to the Sezincote House, which includes a house tour and garden entry, is priced at £15 for adults and £9 for children aged 16 and under.

BBC drama Shetland is returning to tv screens soon with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles for series 10.

Fans of BBC’s hit crime drama Shetland are in for a treat as series 10 is set to hit the screens soon. This comes after it was announced some stars from the show are joining the cast of Vigil.

Viewers will see Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell return to their roles as DI Ruth Calder and DS Lorna Tosh McIntosh, who find themselves drawn to a remote village following the chilling murder of an elderly woman.

This week, the BBC unveiled a sneak peek trailer of what’s in store in the upcoming series, hinting at strained loyalties.

The brief clip reveals escalating tensions within the team as a colleague discusses the crime scene that DI Calder and McIntosh were summoned to.

He remarks: “I hear it was pretty bad up there.” To which DI Calder responds: “Yeah, about as bad as it gets.”

While the exact details of the incident aren’t revealed, it seems the victim has met a brutal end, reports the Daily Record.

One distressing scene features an elderly man appearing distraught as he questions: “Who did this to her?”

Another man, seemingly speaking to the DI in a separate scene, points out that the ‘obvious’ suspects will need to be investigated first, to determine their involvement in the crime.

A succession of faces then flash on-screen, implying these individuals could be implicated in the murder.

However, Ruth and Tosh might be barking up the wrong tree as a woman accuses them of seeking a ‘scapegoat’, followed by a shot of a young man breaking down in tears.

Before the teaser trailer concludes, a montage of nail-biting scenes flash on-screen, including people running, a woman being chased and a building exploding.

A synopsis for the series reads: “As Calder and Tosh are drawn to a remote village following the sinister murder of an elderly woman. As they begin to unravel life in this close-knit community, shocking, long-buried secrets rise to the surface with unexpected consequences for all – including the team.

“In the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick, the body of the retired social worker Eadie Tulloch has been out in the elements for a number of days.

“Suspecting the residents are holding back about their relationships with Eadie, Calder and Tosh begin to unravel a complicated web of lies. Worse still, there’s a personal link to the case for one of the team, testing loyalty to the limits.”

Alongside Ashley and Alison returning to their respective characters, viewers will also witness Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Conor McCarry, Angus Miller and Eubha Akilade making their comeback to the BBC drama.

Additionally, Samuel Anderson joins the cast for series 10 as the new Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake.

Shetland will return on November 5, with the first nine series currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Here in the UK, many of our towns and cities are connected by an impressive network of trains. A Brit who used Australian transport system for the first time was wowed by one feature

A British woman on a working holiday in Sydney, Australia was pleasantly surprised after getting on a train and spotting a “cool” feature – but many people were quick to point out it may not be as unique as she thinks. Despite both the UK and Australia sharing the same native language, there are many differences and culture clashes between the countries.

It can be an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience to live abroad, even in destinations that still speak the same tongue. Many people choose to go travelling around the world, or take jobs that offer them the opportunity to live in a different country, getting first hand experience of contrasting cultures and other ways of life.

This appears to be the case for Megan, a British woman who’s moved to the Bondi area near Sydney in Australia, on a working holiday. Working holiday visas are typically for younger people – usually aged 18-35 for UK citizens – and allows them to live and work in the country, on a flexible basis, for up to a year.

Like lots of others, Megan has taken to documenting her experiences on social media, regularly offering snapshots of her new life on TikTok.

In one particularly popular video, Megan shared her awe over the Sydney trains, which feature adjustable seats that can be flipped so they face forwards, backwards, or sideways. This then allows passengers to sit facing others.

Over the top of the footage, captured from her point of view and showing how to easily adjust the train seat, Megan penned: “As a Brit in Australia, this has baffled me…”

In the caption accompanying the clip, she simply added: “Their trains are so much cooler here lol!!”

The video has so far racked up more than 4.6 million views. In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts – with many adamant this was a feature here in the UK.

One person said: “This is very old technology. We used to have seating like this on trams over a hundred years ago. I know because I’ve been to Critch Museum.”

Another agreed: “Trains used to be like this in England”.

A third said: “British trams 100s of years ago did this” while a fourth echoed this: “Trams had this over 100 years ago in Scotland.”

One TikTok user simply said: “Blackpool trams were like this.”

Another shared: “I was on a literal steam engine built in the early 1900s last summer and they had this lol”.

Another joked: “When does this update drop in the UK?”

A local said: “As an Australian this has baffled me too because this is just a Sydney thing”.

Another local was surprised and commented: “TRAINS CAN DO THAT HERE..?”

Someone else observed: “Wait this is so cool”.

Another shared: “I (a Brit) once discovered this on a train in New York by accident and got the whole train of Americans doing it after hahaha”.

And another added: “As an American, I thought all trains did this”.

Many people from the UK will have stayed at a Premier Inn, but one guest shared her experience staying at one of the company’s East Midlands hotels, including something she didn’t expect

Premier Inn is a popular budget hotel brand in the UK and can be recognised by its signature purple and white colour scheme. Most of the hotels have similar features, like the room layouts, but one location stood out to a hotel guest.

Kerri, a mum from Norfolk who works in the travel industry, recently stayed at the Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights hotel and was surprised by one thing. Turning to TikTok, she said: “Well, this is new for a Premier Inn. I’ve got a room that I’ve never had before and I’ve stayed in so many Premier Inns I’ve actually lost count.”

The hotel guest first showed viewers the courtyard she could see outside of her room with potted plants growing in the middle hanging on a wooden structure, which she found “strange for one.”

She was also surprised to see tiles on the floor in and near the bathroom and discovered that when you close the bathroom door, it opens the wardrobe.

What Kerri really didn’t expect, however, was the long walk to her car from the hotel room.

The travel worker had to go down a number of corridors and through several doors to get out of the hotel and once she got out, she had to walk around the hotel, cross the road, go under a bridge, walk up some steps into the Derbion Shopping Centre, down some more corridors and down some steps into the basement car park where her car was.

At the end of the video when she finally made it to her car, she playfully said: “Let’s just say the last thing you wanna do is forget something in your car if you’re staying in the hotel. That takes forever.”

In the caption of her post, she wrote: “It’s a long a** walk to your car staying at this Premier Inn!

“Plus side – you get your steps in and it’s a great location for the mall!”

Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights, located near the River Gardens, doesn’t have on-site parking but guests can park their vehicles at the nearby Derbion Basement Centre Car Park for a discounted rate of £8 for 24 hours by registering at reception.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk to this car park from the hotel. Kerri’s TikTok video has garnered thousands of views, hundreds of likes and more than 70 comments.

One user sarcastically said: “Omg the trauma.” Another added: “Haha I know Derby when I see it, I was a student there and it’s probably because the city centre is very pedestrianised and it’s just a bit of a pain to drive round.

“Car parks have always been scarce.” Someone who stayed at a different Premier Inn commented: “It’s like this for the Cardiff Queen Street Premier Inn – we have got lost so many times walking from the car park to the hotel.”

A spokesperson for Premier Inn told the Mirror: “Our Riverlights hotel is in a fantastic location right by the Derby river gardens and due to its central location, as indicated on our website when booking, there is no onsite carpark.”

The last thing you may expect to come across in the depths of the rural Charenteis a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam served with a hot pot of correctly brewed breakfast tea, but in Tusson, France, you’ll find just this.

In the heart of rural Charente, France, you might be surprised to find a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam served with a properly brewed pot of breakfast tea.

But in Tusson, this is exactly what you’ll discover. You’ll also hear plenty of English accents.

Gateaux, with its bold lettering and pink exterior, is impossible to miss.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a verdant oasis and an impressive array of beautifully baked cakes, reports the Express.

As I have relatives nearby, I visit Tusson annually, and the lemon meringue cake has never disappointed me.

Other highlights include the chocolate Guinness cake and the cappuccino cupcakes.

There’s also a wonderful selection of teas and barista-made coffees, as well as ice creams and some savoury bakes.

Run by two biologists, Gateaux is adorned with the unexpected beauty of molecular structures, intricate scientific drawings and equations.

Despite having a population of just 240, this tiny village isn’t widely known.

The nearest city is Angouleme, renowned as the capital of comic books and the filming location for Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’, featuring Timothee Chalamet.

Yet, Tusson is something of an artistic hub.

It boasts a pottery workshop, a few other artists’ residences and The Maison du Patrimoine.

This is where Francis I of France’s elder sister stayed upon learning of her brother’s death in the 16th century.

It was constructed from a fortified enclosure dating back to the 14th century.

The expansive fields surrounding Tusson are adorned with sunflowers during the summer, their faces tracking the often blistering summer sun.

Tusson’s primary eatery, Le Compostelle, is a bit of a splurge but could be worth your time. With lobster on the menu and their renowned soup de chocolat, a dessert that’s a spectacle in itself, one chuffed reviewer penned on Tripadvisor: “We all sat outside in a charming courtyard under cover in the heat of a full cover of awnings etc. Lovely atmosphere. We all opted for the 25- 30 euro set lunch. Absolutely fantastic value for money. The food was simply exquisite. Michelin standard. If you’re a chocolate lover, you must try the Soupe au Chocolat. Beyond wonderful.”

The area is a hit with ex-pats, many of whom reside in the nearby villages Ville Jesus, known for its brilliant annual village fair, and Aigre, a slightly larger town boasting a tourist office and a town hall.

Here, you can savour a pizza at La Square while taking in the frequent bric-a-bracs, France’s version of a car boot sale. Here, you’ll discover a variety of items from children selling their collages to boxes covered in dust filled with vintage postcards capturing snippets of holidays from half a century ago.

If you’re after a bit more excitement than browsing antiques, Nautilus is the place to be. However, gents, be warned – this water park enforces a strict speedo-only policy.

But don’t let that put you off, as there’s something for everyone here. Keen swimmers can clock up some serious lengths in the full-sized Olympic pool, while thrill-seekers can take on the diving board or brave the outdoor rapids slide that promises a wild ride.

An easyJet flight to Spain “erupted” recently as a man proposed to his partner in an unexpected way. Passengers were left floored as the romantic incident played out

Over the years people have witnessed all sorts of weird and wonderful marriage proposals, and it’s not the first time one has taken place in the air. Recently a man was captured proposing to his partner while travelling to Spain on an easyJet flight, and it’s left people totally stunned.

A video of the romantic moment was recently shared on TikTok by Nicki Gunner, and it’s since gone viral, as people can’t believe how it played out on the flight. Over a clip of the video, Nicki wrote: “Nothing beats an easyJet proposal outside the toilets on a flight to Benidorm.”

The video has been viewed over 80,000 times since it was shared, and people were left in total disbelief that it happened. In the clip, the man is seen holding his partner’s hands, while standing outside the loo, and popping the question – and it’s not the first romantic tale to have unfolded on a plane.

After chatting, the man gets down on one knee, and takes a ring out of his pocket before popping the question. The plane then erupts into cheers after his partner says “yes”.

A flight attendant is heard congratulating the couple after the brilliant moment takes place. People had all sorts of thoughts and questions after the video was posted, with many questioning why he chose the plane journey to ask for her hand in marriage.

One person said: “Why not propose on the holiday?” Another added: “This is real romance.”

A third joked: “Engaged on the plane, married at baggage claim and honeymoon in Benidorm.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Imagine walking out of the loo, and everyone clapping in your direction.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Cute. They probably have been on holiday several times going on easyJet. They may have met on easyJet, It means something.

“Don’t mock people for having connections. I’ve seen way worse – a man proposing at his kebab shop; however, it still has meaning.”

Some also pointed out that you can’t fly directly to Benidorm, but you can travel to Alicante-Elche Airport, as this is the closest airport to the resort. From here, you can take a bus, taxi or shuttle transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, as there is no airport directly in the town itself.

None the less, many understood what Nicki meant, and were keen to celebrate the couple’s happiness. Several offered kind words to the newly engaged couple.

One said: “Just let them enjoy life. We don’t know the backstory. [It] could be they met on a plane, could be this is when he knew that he loved her. People are so sad to put these people down for what they are doing.”

Another replied: “Maybe she works for easyJet and he surprised her by getting on the flight. Sounds like the crew knew about it. That’s cute.”

Someone else also added: “They might have met on this same route 10 years ago. This might be really sentimental. Congratulations to them.”

St David’s is the UK’s smallest city, but don’t let that fool your

The UK’s tiniest city, nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire on the Welsh coast, is actually a charming village brimming with history and natural beauty.

St David’s, a cathedral city named after Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, is where his final resting place is located. Its city status was traditionally granted due to its grand cathedral, believed to have been constructed between 1180 and 1182.

It remains a lesser-known coastal treasure amongst UK holidaymakers.

However, those willing to embark on a few hours’ drive through Wales’s rolling green hills to the edge of the west coast will be pleasantly surprised by what this small town has to offer. St Davids’ allure lies in its rich history, being home to one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and a pilgrimage destination for centuries.

Tourists can freely explore the cathedral, and its grounds provide an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. Despite attracting numerous visitors throughout the year, the area maintains much of its understated charm, remaining surprisingly quiet and compact, reports the Express.

Beyond the historical landmarks of the cathedral and the original gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace, St Davids boasts a plethora of scenic walks and swimming spots for nature enthusiasts. This quaint, cobbled town is not only home to a stunning stretch of beach but also offers cliff-side walks and hikes.

Whitesands Beach stands as the principal expanse of pristine white sand in the region, sweeping northward towards St Davids headland and serving as one of the nation’s renowned surfing destinations.

It’s ideal for days spent constructing sandcastles, basking in the sunshine, or taking a refreshing dip.

For those seeking more thrilling pursuits, windsurfing and kayaking prove particularly popular pastimes.

One delighted TripAdvisor reviewer said: “What an absolutely phenomenal beach. The beach itself is so clean; the water was crystal clear, and there was no seaweed. You can go out for quite a way, and it was just unbelievable.

“The family loved it and couldn’t believe how quiet it was, and even when it got a little busier later in the day, it was still so pleasant, and this is all before the walks. The mountain walks around the beach were quite simply breathtaking. Some lovely places tucked away; we even found a cove we had all to ourselves.”

For those wanting to venture even deeper into Pembrokeshire’s stunning landscape, there’s a concealed gem called Porthmelgan Beach, merely a 20-minute stroll from Whitesands Bay.

This rather more isolated location boasts equally brilliant white sands but tends to be considerably quieter, with no parking facilities, eateries or wave riders to be found. Another gem is the Blue Lagoon, a 20-minute drive from the city centre, boasting turquoise waters and rocky landscapes.

It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim, a relaxing kayak ride or even a daring cliff dive, all while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Venturing back into the city’s charming cobbled streets, you’ll find a handful of pubs that quickly fill up in the summer with patrons enjoying their post-walk pints. These establishments often feature live music in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere, and serve traditional pub food.

However, it’s worth noting that without a reservation, you might struggle to secure a cosy spot.

As with any seaside town, St Davids boasts numerous ice cream parlours and a mix of independent shops and larger brands in the city centre. So when you’ve had your fill of coastal walks, a stroll through the city streets and a browse through the shops can provide a refreshing change of pace.

Access to the parole hearings this week for brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez was tightly controlled by state prison officials, but despite the efforts to limit outside interference and drama, the unexpected release of an audio recording nearly derailed Friday’s proceeding.

The disclosure of an audio recording of Erik’s parole hearing, held Thursday, tossed his older brother Lyle’s hearing into disarray the following evening.

The closely watched hearings gave the Menendez brothers a chance at freedom for the first time since they were convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents in Beverly Hills.

The state parole board denied a petition from Erik, 54, after an all-day session Thursday. Updates to the news media were provided by a Times reporter who was selected to observe the hearings from a conference room at California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation headquarters near Sacramento.

Audio recording of the hearing was forbidden except by state prison officials. Media organizations were prohibited from disseminating any information in so-called pool reports from the Times reporter until after the parole board issued its decision.

The same restrictions applied to Lyle’s hearing on Friday, which also ran long. But as the hearing came to a close, news broke that created a complication.

TV station ABC7 published a recording of Erik’s hearing, which apparently had been inadvertently handed over in response to a public records request.

A corrections department spokesperson confirmed the audio had been “erroneously” released, but did not elaborate or respond to additional questions from The Times.

The news report brought the hearing to a temporary halt, sparking anger, frustration and accusations that prison officials had purposely released the recording to cause a “spectacle.”

“This is disgusting,” said Tiffani Lucero Pastor, one of the brothers’ relatives who at one point screamed at the members of the parole board. “You’ve misled the family, and now to compound matters, you’ve violated this family and their rights.”

Heidi Rummel, parole attorney for both Erik and Lyle Menendez, asked for a break during the already nine hours long hearing, and at one point asked that the meeting be adjourned, arguing that it was no longer a fair hearing because of the audio’s release.

“We are sitting here asking Mr. Menendez to follow rules,” she said during the hearing. “And in the middle of this hearing, we find out CDCR is not following its own rules. It’s outrageous.”

The fate of Lyle, 57, had not yet been decided, but the board had denied Erik’s release after questioning him extensively about his use of contraband cellphones and other violations of prison rules.

“I don’t think you can possibly understand the emotion of what this family is experiencing,” Rummel said. “They have spent so much time trying to protect their privacy and dignity.”

The Menendez brothers first saw a chance at parole after Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón petitioned a judge to have their sentences reduced to 50 years in prison.

The move made them eligible for parole, but new Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman moved to oppose the petition after he defeated Gascón in the November election. L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic denied Hochman’s request and found that prosecutors failed to show that the Menendez brothers were a danger to the public, clearing their path to the parole board.

The case, and the brothers’ petitions, has continued to generate nationwide attention, including a social media effort that pushed to have the Menendez brothers released in light of allegations the two were sexually abused by their father.

With the case already under a microscope, the release of the audio file created yet another roller coaster of speculation and doubt.

Parole Commissioner Julie Garland said that audio of the hearings could be released under the California Public Records Act, and that transcripts of the parole hearings usually become public 30 days after a decision is issued, under state law.

Rummel noted during the hearing that, as a parole attorney, she had requested audio of parole hearings in the past but the requests had been denied.

“It’s highly unusual,” she said during the hearing Friday. “It’s another attempt to make this a public spectacle.”

Rummel had objected to media access to the hearing, and implied at one point that media access had led to a “leak.”

Rummel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“It’s unacceptable,” said Maya Emig, an attorney representing Joan Vandermolen, Kitty Menendez’s sister. “There has to be notice given.”

Rummel asked whether the board also planned to release the audio of Lyle Menendez’s hearing.

“What policy allows for this to happen in this hearing but literally no other hearing?” Rummel asked the board. “It’s never been done.”

At one point, Rummel said she would be looking to seal the transcript of the hearing under Marsy’s Law, which provides rights and protections to victims of crimes.

Garland stated that audio from Friday’s hearing would not be released publicly until Rummel had the opportunity to object in court or contest its release.

Shortly after, Rummel said several relatives of the brothers had decided not to testify because of the release of the audio.

“It’s my impression from the family members that that’s not enough of an assurance,” she said.

The two-member parole board ultimately decided the audio incident would not deter them from making a ruling late Friday evening. They rejected Lyle’s request.

Both brothers will be eligible for parole in three years, but they can petition for an earlier hearing in one year.

BAD Bunny fans were left gobsmacked after spotting an A-List movie star at the singer’s latest gig.

Fellow concert-goers at the vocalist’s home-town gig in Puerto Rico did a double take after the Mad Men alum was seen in the crowd.

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Golden Globe award winner Jon Hamm donned a white and blue patterned shirt paired with a white bucket hat and trainers for the lengthy show at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.

Part of his No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency, Bad Bunny‘s VIP guest was seen boogying with a glass of drink in hand.

The Baby Driver actor, 54, then busted out a series of energetic dance moves, throwing his right arm in the air, as he embraced the tunes.

His appearance was captured on TikTok where one user confessed: “Seeing Jon Hamm vibing out at the Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico was not on my 2025 bingo card.”

They added: “A whole vibe” before hailing him “an icon.”

Another TikTok user confessed: “I can’t stop watching this video.”

One put: “He’s living his best life” as a fan added: “This man is everything I expected him to be.”

A fan then surmised: “Just another reason to love him.”

SUPER FAN

Jon has previously gushed over the Monaco hitmaker and his talents – and spoken publicly about his plans to head to the gigs.

The Morning Show star told Today ahead of the August show: “We’re hoping to go to Puerto Rico.

“I’m excited because he’s doing this residency where he’s doing a month and a half of shows in Puerto Rico.

“First of all, I think it’s really cool that he’s going back to his home, to really give back to the fans.

“He’s reserving the first four, five or 10 shows, or whatever it is, for only residents of Puerto Rico, which is so cool.”

Meanwhile, on a previous Saturday Night Live episode, he added of the chart star: “He’s a really nice guy.

“And he’s funny. And he’s fun and his music is awesome.

“You can’t listen to his music and not smile. I just love his story.

“He’s a really nice guy. He’s funny.”

He then told how the music icon had given him the nickame Jon Jamón which is the Spanish translation of his name.

Meanwhile, Jon isn’t Bad Bunny’s sole famous fan.

Recently, he sparked a bromance with LeBron James as they headed to a party after another of his home town gigs.

At the time, a source told the US Sun of Bad Bunny’s aims for the shows and said: “It’s an elaborate thing where he is making the tickets available at a low price, you have to prove you’re a fan and a Puerto Rican resident, like people have to get the tickets at the supermarket he worked at when he was a kid.”

They added: “LeBron was at the concert, there were a bunch of videos of them together, but before that, they had hung out and played golf together all day.”

The insider added that the NBA star is still a newbie at golfing and has been enjoying the sport lately. 

They added: “After all that they partied their a**es off at the St Regis property nearby with a lot of beautiful women.”

“They have this fun new bromance energy going on.”

BUNNY CAREER

Bad Bunny has collaborated with artists including J Balvin, Ozuna, Farruko, El Alfa, Arcángel, and Daddy Yankee.

He’s also made guest appearances on songs by Drake, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Will Smith.

He rose to fame almost immediately after he released “Soy Peor” (“I’m Worse”) in 2016.

While speaking to Rolling Stone, the musician described himself as being a wallflower, though he developed a reputation at school for coming up with creative raps.

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In the annals of things I could not have seen coming, none has been more unexpected than “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” a queer Spanish-language stop-motion comedy melodrama, set in the aesthetic world of a 1980s Pedro Almodóvar film. (It arrives Sunday at midnight on Adult Swim, the home of things one doesn’t see coming, and premieres the next day on HBO Max.)

Though it takes place in Ecuador, its central character, Marioneta Negocios (Pepa Pallarés), is Spanish, and it’s easy enough to imagine Almodóvar muse Carmen Maura in the role — though it is also impossible to imagine the story told as well, or at all, in any other way. When I call this series perfect, notwithstanding the happy imperfections of its puppets and sets, it’s not because everything works as its meant to, but because there’s nothing you can measure it against — it occupies its own self-created space. Every element is necessary. Even presenting it in English would be to lose romantic, dramatic, telenovelistic force.

At the center of the story is the cuy, a guinea pig eaten in Andean South America, though in this telling they’re also used in a version of bullfighting. (Some cuys are large enough to ride on.) The primary action is a power struggle between Marioneta, a socialite running a campaign promoting cuy as pets, not food, and Doña Quispe (Laura Torres), who has risen from life as a humble butcher to the anything-but-humble CEO of the country’s most famous restaurant, El Cuchillo (the knife).

Mixed up in their lives are Coquita Buenasuerte (Gabriela Cartol), Marioneta’s seemingly happy-go-lucky assistant; Espada Muleta (Kerygma Flores), a matadora in love with Marioneta; Nina (Nicole Vazquez), Doña Quispe’s vegetarian daughter, serving a pro-cuy group as its Minister of Refreshments and Head of Recruitment for Rebellious Teens — “I have looked upon the caged cuy through the prison of capitalist enterprise, through the hubristic iron bars of a homocentric world view” — who will become a pawn in the older women’s game.

Not everything will be as it seems.

Created by Gonzalo Cordova (a veteran of “Tuca & Bertie” and “Adam Ruins Everything”) and produced by the Mexican animation studio Cinema Fantasma, the series comes packaged as eight 11-minute episodes — that is cartoon length — which neatly constitute a short feature film. On the bill are mystery, suspense, terror, revenge, hot romance (including some puppet sex), masked stalkers, performance art, love notes posted with knives, parodies of television shows and commercials, old secrets coming to light and nuns singing karaoke.

From “Gumby” to “Rudolph” to “Wallace and Gromit” to “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” stop motion is of all forms of animation most magical and in its real-space, three-dimensional, handcrafted way the most like life, if not necessarily the most lifelike. (It can look ungainly, which is also part of its charm.) It’s a magnification of childhood playtime, a puppet show in which the puppets have broken loose from the puppeteers. The cleverness of the execution is as or more important than how seamless it is. “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” does all sorts of neat tricks, some you notice and more you simply accept — and when deemed necessary, or just amusing, it will insert a live-action hand or mouth. It’s an exaggerated world — appropriately to the heavy-breathing material — but emotionally expressive, even moving, and lots of fun.

LOVE Island stars reunited last night for a very boozy reunion that saw the shots flowing.

Nearly all of this year’s villa stars were in attendance, and it was a case of good vibes only as they partied on a sunny night in London.

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The cast dressed to the nines and hit Kaso Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch for the fun event.

While the cameras weren’t rolling for this one, the Islanders let fans in via their social media feeds.

As the night went on, the craziness increased.

Irish beauty Andrada Pop, who looked close to stealing Dejon Williams from Meg Moore at one stage on the show, was at the centre of the action.

She knocked back shots and looked very cosy with Remell Mullings, who she didn’t get a chance to meet in the villa.

But while fans appreciated the obvious chemistry between them, they were also worried it could jeopardise her taking part in All Stars next year if they were to hook up.

And Blu Chegini and bombshell Rheo Parnell also looked very compatible as they cosied up in posh car, before having fun with the slow-cam booth.

Series winners Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley only had eyes for each other, looking very smitten as they kissed outside the venue.

Love Island lothario Harrison Solomon was nowhere to be seen.

Avoiding the potential for drama, he had an appearance at an event in Swansea nightclub.

But his night ended in drama after his car suffered a flat tyre, leaving him with a £200 Uber bill.

There were no such issues for his partner Lauren Wood though, as she sang and danced with co-stars.

Meanwhile, Dejon couldn’t resist the allure of the photobooth and snapped pics with bombshells Poppy Harrison and Lucy Quinn.

Slow-cam footage showed them all dancing together and fans think it’s a sign that Dejon could be in trouble with Megan, who he had a tumultuous time with in the villa.

“Oh you know there’s been an argument tonight,” wrote one fan on the clip posted to TikTok, with a second noting: “Meg ain’t gonna be happy.”

“He’s still flirting smh [shaking my head]” said a third, with a fourth writing: “He’s actually taking the p*** now”.

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A SAVVY mum has shared a “genius” trick to guarantee there are no tears when applying sun cream.

Not only does it make the process much more fun for youngsters, but if your little one hates having sun cream applied, then you’ll need to check this out.

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With this simple tip, which has been hailed the “best sun cream hack ever,” you’ll need an unexpected kitchen essential.

Posting on social media, Gemma McCartan, a mum-of-two and full-time content creator from the UK, gave her followers a close-up look at her trick, which involves using spoons when applying spray sun cream.

Alongside her short video, the influencer beamed: “The best sun cream hack for kids EVER.”

She then said: “To the mum who posted this, I love you.”

Instead of wrestling her son Max to close his eyes so she could apply the spray sun cream to his face, the youngster instead put two spoons over his eyes.

Gemma was then able to spray his face with sun cream, without it getting in his eyes and causing any tears.

Moments after, the woman’s daughter then did the same, yet again ensuring a seamless application with no irritation of the eyes, whilst at the same time, making the often agonising process much more exciting. 

Thrilled with her hack, Gemma later wrote: “It’s been a game changer.” 

Clearly beaming with the simple trick, the mother added: “It’s made my day, I had the kids crying on holiday until we found this hack.” 

Gemma’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gemmamccartan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 200,800 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,074 likes and 138 comments. 

Parents were impressed with the “genius” trick and many thought it was a “great” idea. 

One person said: “What a brilliant idea.” 

Another added: “That is genius.” 

My son has allergies so this is amazing

Gemma McCartan

Whilst a third commented: “Not only practical, it gives the kids a feeling of control over what’s about to happen, so they are more willing to cooperate. Great idea.”

Meanwhile, someone else gushed: “Best idea ever for sun cream.” 

However, at the same time, one user wrote: “Should have cream on eyelids too as they can burn, I know it stings if it gets in eyes but it’s such a sensitive area so best to have full coverage.”

To this, Gemma wrote back and explained: “Yes but my son has allergies so this is amazing.” 

Not only this, but another person asked: “Won’t they get a burnt line where the handles are?”

In response, Gemma confirmed that instead of spraying the sun cream on her youngster’s eyelids, after the fun part, she then uses her finger for a more controlled application, as she acknowledged: “I use my finger to do the sides and lids.” 

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A WOMAN has died after falling from a 32-floor skyscraper in London’s financial district.

Police were scrambled to Sirocco Tower in Canary Wharf this morning following the horror.

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The woman, aged in her 20s, tragically could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.

The Met Police have now launched a probe into the tragedy.

A spokesperson said: “At around 06:39hrs on Wednesday, 13 August police responded to calls that a person had fallen from height in Harbour Way, Canary Wharf.

“Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene but sadly a woman in her 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.“

At this time her death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries continue.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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A travel enthusiast claimed to have found the European alternative to the Maldives in a cheap and unexpected country – and it’s just a £30 flight away – however, not everyone was convinced

When people start describing what they believe paradise would look like, the Maldives often top the list or are what most people would imagine, even if they don’t say it by name.

Its idyllic sapphire waters and consistently balmy weather lead many to herald it as a slice of heaven on Earth. However, reaching the Maldivian shores can be expensive and take a long time, with journeys including long 12-hour flights as well additional travel by speedboat or seaplane to get to your resort.

For those seeking an escape closer to British shores, a globetrotter named Scott claimed he’s discovered Europe’s answer to the Maldivian paradise – and it’s only a £30 return flight away.

Taking to Instagram, Scott shared his discovery with a video montage of his holiday, which including enjoying the sunny days by dipping into the clear turquoise water.

“POV: You find the European Maldives in the cheapest most unexpected country,” he wrote in the caption of his video, which has gone viral on the platform with over 5.2million views.

His video continued to show the white sandy beaches leading up to the blue waves, where visitors relax under parasols at tables and chairs sprinkled along the shore.

Scott also raved about the cheap yet incredible accommodation options with beach views and pool access, which once again looks like they belonged on the Maldives. He then shared clips of the many bars and beach clubs available for your evening activities.

While it all looked like it belonged to another world, Scott revealed the place in question was Ksamil in Albania. It’s located in the riviera of Southern Albania, just 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Saranda and near the Greek island of Corfu.

During the summer months, Ksamil becomes one of Albania’s most popular and crowded beach destinations, attracting both locals and international tourists looking for an affordable Mediterranean paradise.

However, Scott’s glowing review sparked a mixed bag of reactions from those who had visited Ksamil themselves, as not everyone had enjoyed the holiday spot as much as he had.

One viewer commented: “It does not look like this… I fell for this con last summer,” with another echoing the sentiment as they labelled it a ‘tourist trap’.

However, others jumped to Ksamil’s defence, suggesting that timing is key to making the most of the destination. They recommended visiting during the early or late parts of summer to avoid the peak tourist season in July and August.

One defender of Ksamil said: “That’s our Holiday Season then, but when you go some other time it is this calm and Beautiful Like in the Video. I myself am every year in Albania and can say the Video is right with this Beauty,”

Another simply stated: “It looks amazing.”

With many families heading to the coast over the summer, it’s important to be aware of local by-laws that could unexpectedly turn your beach day into an expensive lesson

As the summer season rolls in, British families are flocking to the seaside for day trips or staycations. However, a lesser-known regulation could turn your beachside fish and chips into a hefty bill.

In several coastal spots nationwide, feeding seagulls is actually illegal, with fines potentially exceeding £1,000. Last year, a 97-year-old woman faced a potential fine of £2,500 and even court proceedings after a neighbour reported her for feeding birds in her garden in Fylde, near Blackpool.

With this incident in mind, Luxury Group Stay, a leading provider of high-end holiday homes in the UK, is advising holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with local by-laws that could disrupt their well-deserved getaway.

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In Suffolk, visitors to Aldeburgh will encounter signs cautioning that anyone caught feeding gulls may be prosecuted under public health and anti-social behaviour by-laws.

This regulation was implemented in the seaside town back in 2009 in response to escalating complaints about the gulls’ conduct, including aggressive swooping, incessant begging, and damage to bins and properties, reports the Express.

And it’s not just Fylde and Aldeburgh enforcing these restrictions. Numerous councils across the country have introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) or other measures in an attempt to curb gull feeding.

Luxury Group Stay’s spokesperson revealed, “With more local fines and by-laws catching guests off guard, we’re seeing growing demand for private stays where families can relax, dine outdoors, and enjoy themselves without worrying about unexpected restrictions.”

Given that rules can differ widely across localities and signage might be overlooked, holidaymakers are urged to be vigilant with local guidelines – or they could find their day at the beach costing more than anticipated.

They’ve also pinpointed a selection of destinations where you might cop a fine for giving snacks to the gulls.

Destinations where you may be fined for feeding seagulls:

• East Devon – £80-100 fine on beaches in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer, and Seaton.
• Dorset – Up to £100 fine in Lyme Regis, West Bay, and Bridport.
• Jersey (St Saviour Parish) – Fines of up to £1,000 in many residential areas, including Clos Paumelle.
• Cornwall – Up to £100 in St Ives.
• North Yorkshire – Up to £100 in Whitby and Scarborough.
• East Sussex – Fines of up to £100 in Eastbourne and Hastings.

Vera star Brenda Blethyn will be making an unexpected return to screens on Sunday night

Fans of ITV’s hit drama Vera can look forward to a Sunday night treat as Brenda Blethyn makes an unexpected return when the series airs a repeat.

The second episode of Vera’s twelfth series will be showcased on ITV at 8pm, with viewers set to reunite with Brenda’s character, DCI Stanhope, and her right-hand man, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty.

The storyline for this instalment centres on Lance Corporal Conn Burns, who has struggled to adjust to civilian life and ended up destitute on the streets of Newcastle, but who is determined to turn his fortunes around.

According to the episode synopsis: “Adapting to civilian life was not easy for Lance Corporal Conn Burns, and after a series of bad life choices, he found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle.”

It continues: “Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships, and get him off the streets,” reports Wales Online.

As the tale unfolds, DCI Stanhope is brought into the investigation following the shocking discovery of Burns’ body, which leads to revelations of secrets from his past and current betrayals.

Brenda acknowledged earlier in the year that she was ready to retire her iconic hat and coat for good.

While acknowledging how hard it was to step away, Brenda shared her desire to reduce time spent apart from her loved ones.

Speaking at a Q&A, she disclosed: “It was a big decision because I love the job, I love the people I was working with, and I know they loved it too, so it was a little bit of an emotional responsibility as well because if I stop, it’s going to stop.

“I saw on the catering list one day, just on a typical day, there were 76 people, so that’s all those people. I console myself with the fact that there’s a big studio opening in Sunderland next yea,r so there will be lots of jobs available.”

She continued: “I was aware that people who would like to continue on it wouldn’t be able to and that made me feel sad but as much as I like my Newcastle family, I have a family at home and I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years and I thought, ‘Bren, go and have a summer. Go home’. So it was a difficult decision.”

Brenda’s exit was not the only one to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, as Kenny Doughty announced his own departure from the series in 2023.

In the fifth instalment of the ITV drama, Aiden stepped in to fill the shoes left by Vera’s original partner, Joe Ashworth (David Leon).

Yet, come spring 2023, he shared his “difficult decision” to depart. His heartfelt thanks were shared on Instagram: “I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to. I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times.”

He ended his touching tribute by expressing gratitude to the show’s loyal following, saying: “And finally, the Vera fans: without you and your support, I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show.”

After Kenny Doughty’s exit, David Leon reprised his role as Joe on Vera until the series concluded.

Vera airs at 8pm on Sunday on ITV.

A Ryanair passenger recently found themselves gazing at a safety card, wondering what two curious-looking symbols in particular could mean. Happily, someone was on hand to explain

An eagle-eyed airline passenger spotted a curious-looking symbol on a safety card.

When wedged into a slim Ryanair seat waiting for takeoff, letting your eyes wander around the cabin is natural. After a quick skim-read of the potential snacks on offer from the in-flight menu, they may end up resting on a small triangle position above windows— a curious symbol that we’ve previously written about.

They then might find themselves looking at the passenger safety card, which, it turns out, is a little confusing on Ryanair planes.

A Reddit user recently snapped one of them and posted it alongside this comment: “I spent a two-hour flight staring at this, and I cannot work out what they mean!?! What is next to the glasses? And is that an ear? If so, what is coming out of it?”

READ MORE: Mum on Benidorm holiday left ‘petrified’ after teenagers invaded her hotel room

They circled two parts of the card in particular. To give full respect to their comprehension skills, it is not at all obvious what they’re supposed to show. Happily, someone with knowledge of such things was on hand to decode the curious pictures.

“Top right is supposed to be an ear with an earring and a woman wearing a necklace, bottom right is false teeth – things you should remove before using the emergency escape slide, if you needed to use it,” they wrote.

The explanation surprised some in the comments, who had seen completely different objects after staring at the pictures for long enough. “Oh, it is false teeth! I thought it was a stack of steaks,” one person admitted.

Another added: “An earring? I thought it was someone holding up a severed head!”

A third joked: “There is a legal requirement for passenger safety cards to be issued / available. There is no legal requirement for these cards to make any kind of sense.” And a fourth chimed in: “I’m pretty sure the bottom one means ‘don’t pick up your glasses, you need a spare hand for a slice of black forest gateau’.”

When it comes to the little black triangles, the reasons they’re there is as follows.

These markers, which can be either red or black, are strategically placed within the cabin. If you observe closely, you’ll see they align with the wings outside the aircraft. These triangles serve as indicators for the flight crew when they need to inspect the wings, providing them with the optimal viewing points for the external slats and flaps.

This feature proves particularly beneficial during winter months when ensuring the wings are adequately de-iced is crucial. A cabin crew member, known as @_hennylim_ on TikTok, took to the social media platform to elucidate this system.

“1. Passengers sitting next to the triangles get the best view of the wings. 2. If flight crew need to check the wings, these triangles let them know the best vantage points for the slats and flaps outside,” she explained.