unique

A POPULAR English lido is re-opening just in time for summer – and it’s had a total makeover.

The outdoor splash park featuring fun elephant slides and a lazy river will welcome back families later this month, following a refresh.

An opening date for The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham has been confirmed.

The refurbished Kent lido, which has the UK’s only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool, will begin bringing the summer fun from Saturday May 23.

It will first be open for weekends, before offering its facilities seven days a week in the school summer holidays.

Two pool sessions are set to run every day the lido is open. The first from 10.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

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Entry to sessions must be booked online. While children under three go free, adult tickets are £8.15, with junior and senior tickets priced at £5.35.

The spruced up lido was revived last year, funded by contributions from housing developments to Medway Council.

The Strand, which first opened in 1896, now features a new splash pad for children aged three to 11.

There’s also a beach-themed play area with 30 sensor-activated water jets alongside the large outdoor pool, elephant-shaped water slides and a 300 metre lazy river.

Those who love a long swim can make use of the open-air pool’s six 25 metre lanes.

After a day of water play, families can relax with a refreshment at the Victorian lido’s cafe, enjoy a hit on the refurbished tennis courts or take on a round of mini golf.

There’s even a miniature train for little ones to ride.

There’s only one place in the world where you can see four countries at once, thanks to a bridge that has been carefully created to connect two countries while avoiding two others

There are some rather impressive, architecturally brilliant bridges dotted across the world. But there’s one that might be the most striking of all, as it allows visitors to see four countries at once.

The Kazungula Bridge might not be the most beautifully designed structure in the world, but its elaborate positioning over the Zambezi River is situated in one of the most bizarre locations in the world. The 3,028ft (923m) long and 60.7ft (18.5m) wide bridge serves as a major route through Africa, connecting Zambia and Botswana.

It consists of a two-car lane, a single railway track, and pedestrian walkways on either side, and was opened in May 2021. But what’s fascinating about this bridge is that while it connects Zambia and Botswana, there are two other countries on either side, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

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It was designed to accommodate complex border crossings between two countries, while being a stone’s throw from two others. This means that those using the bridge, which spans across the world’s second-shortest border, can see Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe simultaneously.

However, there’s more to this unusual geographical mastermind.

Maps show that this area is the world’s only quadripoint, meaning it’s the only place where four countries meet. This is known as the Kazungula Quadripoint, with Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all meeting in the middle of the Zambezi River.

Many countries border two or three nations, but it’s incredibly unusual to have four countries connected. Instead, there is a North American quadripoint in the USA where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, as well as a sub-national quadripoint in Canada where the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut meet.

While the Kazungula Bridge that passes the four connected countries has been widely known as the world’s only quadripoint, some believe this isn’t the case at all. Big Think reported that if the map of where the four countries connect is examined closely, the “point disappears”, and instead, the “quadripoint turns into two tripoints”.

The western point is claimed to be where Botswana and Zambia meet Namibia, while the eastern point is where the three countries meet Zimbabwe. Yet its confusion is valid, and remains relatively unconfirmed, with claims that the points are separated by more than a mere 443 feet (135m).

Regardless of its argued status as the world’s only quadripoint, it remains starkly impressive that visitors can see four countries at once. And it still remains as the only place in the entire world where you can witness such a marvel.

One traveller who got the chance to use the remarkable structure wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is a bridge that connects Botswana and Zambia via the mighty Rivers, Chobe River and Zambezi River, and this is the point where four countries meet at one point, right in the middle of the Bridge. A very breathtaking view and good sunsets on the bridge, it’s a good place to be and take pictures.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

BELOVED actor Beau Starr, best known for his roles in the Halloween franchise and Goodfellas, has died at the age of 81.

The star reportedly died on Friday, April 24, of natural causes.

His brother, Mike Starr, confirmed the news to TMZ, saying the actor passed away peacefully in Vancouver, Canada.

Mike revealed his heartbreak as he paid tribute to his late brother, saying Beau was “loved by many” – and calling him “very unique and special.”

He shared how Beau played a huge role in shaping his life, explaining that he and their other brothers helped raise him alongside their parents.

Tributes quickly poured in for the veteran actor, with co-star Christopher Serrone leading the announcements.

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“It is with a heavy heart Im here to inform everyone of the very sad passing of Beau Starr. [Mike Starr] asked me to make the announcement,” wrote Christopher Serrone, who starred alongside Starr in the 1990 mob film. 

“Beau enjoyed a rich a meaningful life. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, actor and NFL/CFL player. Please take a moment to help me remember a great guy. RIP.”

Fans were also left devastated, flooding social media with memories of his most iconic roles.

“He was a great actor, your scene with him in Goodfellas is still a scene I will never forget, he was also good in Halloween 4-5, May he rest in peace,” one fan wrote.

“He was a great actor & good man in person. Very sad to read this news. I am sorry for his family loss,” another wrote.

Before finding fame on screen, Beau Starr lived a very different life – starting out as a professional football player.

After several years on the New York Jets practice squad in the late 1960s and two seasons in the Canadian Football League, Beau got his break in entertainment on Bizarre – a half-hour sketch comedy show starring Bob Einstein and featuring comedians like Howie Mandel.

He landed his first film role in 1982’s Hanky Panky, starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, before going on to play Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween IV and Halloween V.

Fans of director Martin Scorsese will remember Starr for his role as Henry Hill’s father in Goodfellas, with co-star Christopher Serrone.

Starr also became a familiar face on TV, starring in 66 episodes of Due South between 1994 and 1999.

His long list of credits includes films such as Born on the Fourth of July, Speed, Angels in the Infield, The Cactus Kid and Cinderella Man, as well as TV shows including Wings, T.J. Hooker and Doc.

His former manager, Timothy Beal, said Starr always appreciated his fans, especially those of the Halloween franchise.

Beal said he only ever had positive experiences with the late star and wished they had worked together more.

THERE aren’t many places where your holiday begins with a grandstand view of an island monastery as your plane skims the deep-blue Ionian Sea.

Landing in Corfu is an experience in itself, and dozens of people stood on a viewing platform jutting out over the ocean to watch our flight land at sunset just metres away from the Vlacherna monastery.

But the real magic starts when you head for the hills.

Tucked away on a dramatic cliffside near Agios Ioannis is the 5H Valmar Corfu by Louis Hotels.

Tumbling down the hillside, the chic all-inclusive hotel only opened to guests last summer and offers incredible 180-degree views of the sparkling, calm waters from almost every vantage point.

I immediately took a liking to the modern aesthetic — think pale wood and acres of glass — and loved the welcome pack of wine, fruit, local kumquat marmalade and some of the best baklava I’ve ever tasted.

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The next morning, I was able to appreciate the full beauty of the hotel, as a picturesque red-orange sunrise across the bay gave way to my first view of its private beach.

A delicious mojito with homegrown mint was fully justified at 11.30am as I settled down to soak up the rays on the comfy sun lounger.

The hotel has two pools — one adult-only — with stunning views, as well as a splash park and a tennis court on the cliffside above.

A spa offers more than 20 different treatments and there’s an air-conditioned gym.

And if you ever get bored of swimming in the clear waters of Valmar beach or taking a dip in the mountainside pools, Corfu has plenty of other beautiful beaches and sunbathing spots.

Paleokastritsa is one such beach, in the north of the island, where dark and light-blue waters contrast beautifully with the sands.

To enjoy an unforgettable view of this beach, head up to Paleokastritsa Monastery — maybe the only religious site in the world to have a whale skeleton inside.

To the south, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos and the Blue Caves are destinations for the most popular boat trips from Corfu.

But after a day at the beach, the hotel provides excellent dinner options.

As well as two buffets, there’s the unique Viru Peruvian fusion restaurant on the roof terrace, and the beachside Gill and Olive eaterie serving Greek and international dishes.

For a hotel orientated toward families with young children, the Valmar’s sister hotel, Kerkyra Blue, can be found on the outskirts of Corfu Town.

It boasts a kids’ club and buffet, two swimming pools, a badminton court, a tennis court, a gym and a mini-football pitch.

But if you’re really missing the English sporting summer, you can venture into Corfu Town and find Greece’s only cricket pitch — on the main square, Spianada.

It is just one of the legacies of five decades of British rule during the mid-19th century.

Our excellent tour guide, Nausica, insisted that we were actually quite popular, as we introduced running water and roads to the island.

One Brit, however, is more popular in Corfu than any other — the late author Gerald Durrell.

The man whose memoirs of life growing up on Corfu in the 1930s inspired ITV comedy-drama The Durrells — starring Keeley Hawes — is immortalised with a statue on Spianada Square and has a park named in his honour.

Perhaps the most unique thing the British brought to Corfu, though, was the kumquat. The island’s climate made it the perfect place to grow the small, sweet, citrus fruit, which British traders imported from China into Europe.

Today, kumquats are sold on every street in the old town — and one of the most popular drinks on the island is the kumquat limoncello.

The drink suits the place because a period of almost 500 years of being ruled over from Venice has given the town more of an Italian appearance than that of a typical Greek island.

The Corfiots are fiercely proud of their international history, which has made their island look like a Tuscany in the middle of the Ionian Sea.

And they’re so determined to keep it that way that a law is in place which allows buildings in the old town to be painted in only a limited number of colours, in keeping with tradition.

These include browns, terracottas, greens and yellows.

The Cavalieri Roof Garden restaurant offers one of the best vantage points to admire the town’s uniquely coloured buildings, especially at sunset when the old fort glows above the sea.

As you sip a cocktail and watch day turn to night, you’ll feel at one with nature thanks to the sound of thousands of swallows circling above the town.

After sunset, we enjoyed a fish feast at Barbas Taverna.

The exquisite quality of the locally caught seafood is matched only by the quantity — which may see you opt for a tactical approach to dinner, prioritising your favourite dishes over aiming to consume everything.

When we left Corfu, it was a less frantic journey than the Durrells had to make when they left the island on the eve of World War Two.

But we did get to see the spectacular setting of the island’s airport once again.

An example of the U.K. Royal Air Force’s most iconic fighter, the Spitfire, flew in a series of air-to-air formations around the United Kingdom over the last two weeks, part of the 90th anniversary celebrations for the aircraft, which became legendary on account of its service in World War II. The nine-leg flight around the United Kingdom was completed Friday.

The Spitfire in question, a two-seater, was painted blue to represent the first prototype, K5054. The original K5054 first flew on March 5, 1936, and was piloted by Capt. Joseph “Mutt” Summers. It took off from Eastleigh Aerodrome, now Southampton Airport.

Popular history records that Summers uttered the words “I don’t want anything touched” when he climbed down from the cockpit. If he did say those words, it was almost certainly an instruction to the ground crew to leave the plane as it was before he took it up for his next test sortie. But the legend stuck.

Regardless, so promising was the new fighter that the Air Ministry placed a production order less than three months later, with trials still incomplete.

Eventually, more than 20,000 production examples would be built, and the Spitfire would be considered among the best all-round fighters of World War II, in which it played a key role from start to finish. The Royal Air Force didn’t fly its last operational Spitfire sortie until 1954, in Malaya.

The blue Spitfire seen in the accompanying images is actually a Mk IX, BS410, which crashed in May 1943, was recovered and rebuilt in the 2000s, and was converted into a two-seater, allowing for a passenger. It is currently privately owned.

Starting on April 7, the K5054-lookalike Spitfire joined up in the air with a host of modern types.

For the first flight, the Royal Air Force’s most advanced fighter, the F-35B Lightning, flew in formation with the Spitfire. This came just a matter of weeks after British F-35Bs shot down their first enemy aircraft — hostile drones over Jordan, during the conflict in the Middle East.

The formation flight involved two frontline F-35Bs from RAF Marham and two preserved Spitfires.

The other Spitfire, a Mk Vb, AB910, also saw combat in World War II, including covering the D-Day landings in Normandy. It is now part of the storied Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

For the first leg of its flight, the K5054-lookalike Spitfire flew from its birthplace of Southampton Airport to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, still a major fighter hub.

While the Spitfire and F-35 could hardly be more different in terms of performance and technologies, both have served the Royal Air Force as its premier frontline fighter. Like its forebear, the F-35B is also now proven in aerial combat, albeit against drones.

On March 6 this year, the Royal Air Force announced that an F-35B pilot had carried out the aircraft’s first combat shootdown in British hands, intercepting and destroying two hostile drones during an operation over Jordan the same week.

“The pilot, flying alongside two Typhoons from RAF Akrotiri, detected the drones on radar and engaged them with two ASRAAM missiles,” the Royal Air Force said in its statement. The pilot, although assigned to No. 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, was serving with the Royal Navy, reflecting the joint nature of the U.K. F-35B force.

The incident followed a separate attack in which a small, low‑speed drone struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after evading base defenses, which were subsequently much enhanced.

Flight two, out of RAF Coningsby, on April 8, saw the Spitfire fly alongside Royal Air Force Red Arrows Hawks and a Phenom T1 trainer.

The Red Arrows flying alongside the Spitfire on Day 2 of the commemorative tour of GB. Two Hawks accompanied her for part of the flight from RAF Coningsby to Leuchars Station. (Photo: Darren Harbar) #Spitfire90 pic.twitter.com/Y4ioabXnoI

— Jane (@JaneFranklin99) April 8, 2026

The third flight, out of RAF Leuchars, on April 9, involved a Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Flight four, on April 10, brought the Spitfire to Scotland, where it flew out of RAF Lossiemouth with a pair of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters.

Remaining in Scotland, the fifth flight, on April 13, out of Prestwick Airport, teamed the Spitfire with a Royal Air Force Hawk T2 trainer.

Flight six, on April 14, out of RAF Valley, Wales, involved the Spitfire and two current Royal Air Force training types: a Texan T1 turboprop and a Jupiter HT1 helicopter.

Flight seven, on April 15, out of MOD St Athan, provided a formation with two QinetiQ Pilatus PC-21 trainers.

Flight eight, on April 16, out of MOD St Mawgan, involved a Royal Air Force A400M transport.

For the ninth and final flight, on April 17, the Spitfire departed Exeter Airport and met up alongside the BBMF’s Dakota as it flew back to Southampton Airport.

While not unique, the Royal Air Force doesn’t regularly pair current and historic fighters for displays in the way the U.S. Air Force does with its Heritage Flight. This puts together formations of modern jets flying with fighters from the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras, such as the P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre.

This makes the series of Spitfire flights all the more special. On each of these flights, one lucky (and deep-pocketed) passenger was in the backseat of the Spitfire, having bid for the chance to do so. The money earned will go to support service-related charities.

For the rest of us, we can enjoy some of the spectacular imagery captured as this special Spitfire completed its countrywide odyssey.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard described his side’s promotion back to the Premier League after 25 years away as a “unique” achievement.

The Sky Blues secured a top-two finish in the Championship with three games to spare courtesy of a 1-1 draw at struggling Blackburn Rovers.

“To go and get promotion automatically as a non-parachute [payment] team with three games to go… these boys have managed to achieve something special and unique,” Lampard told Sky Sports.

“This is what it’s about. Coming here and getting a point at this stage isn’t easy.”

He added: “Doing this after 25 years… wow.

“The resilience to come back after losing in the play-offs (last season to Sunderland). We spoke in the summer about what we could do this season and whether we could finish third or fourth to get a home play-off in the second game which we didn’t do last year.

“It’s such a good feeling that the boys have managed to get it over the line.”

The former Chelsea and England midfielder, 47, took over at the CBS Arena in November 2024 for his first job outside the top flight since a season at Derby in 2018-19.

An emotional Lampard, who also credited the “incredible” job his predecessor Mark Robins had done, said he had “fallen in love” with the club during his time in the Midlands and ranked leading Coventry back to the top flight alongside his many accolades as a player.

“I’m proud of myself and the staff,” he said.

“We came into a bit of an unknown 15 or so months ago when we arrived in a people carrier.

“We’ve fallen in love and this is right up there with what I have achieved.

“I’m very proud to be the manager.”

Most people like to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary when heading off on holiday or a short break, and one Airbnb shaped like a giant flower pot is certainly providing that

Many of us love to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary when heading off on holiday or a short break, and one Airbnb is certainly delivering on that front. The Idaho Flower Pot is a charming, 24-foot tall Airbnb built in the shape of an enormous terra cotta flower pot. Nestled just south of Burley, Idaho, in the US, this eccentric getaway scooped Airbnb’s $100,000 (£74,000) “OMG! Fund” and sits on a working flower farm.

Inside, guests are treated to a 436-square-foot multi-storey space featuring tapered walls and a spiral staircase, with a queen-sized memory foam mattress in the loft and a pull-out sofa on the ground floor, sleeping between two and four people.

The bathroom boasts a lavish rainfall shower and a heated mosaic floor, while the kitchenette is kitted out with a two-burner induction hob and a compact fridge.

The décor features a striking “root” chandelier, bird lights, and a vintage record player.

Guests can also unwind on the rooftop patio, which offers a terrace at the top of the “pot” complete with loungers perfect for stargazing and sweeping views of the surrounding Albion Mountains.

There’s also a four-person hot tub and a flower-shaped fireplace to enjoy.

Travel influencer Anissa, known as @herjoliejourney on Instagram, shared her stay at the Idaho Flower Pot with her 64,500 followers on the platform.

Dubbing it “the most unique Airbnb in Idaho”, she added: “I’ve stayed in a lot of unique Airbnbs over the years, but nothing compares to sleeping inside a giant flower pot.

“We loved every minute of our stay and would absolutely come back again.”

Anissa posted footage from her visit, including stepping through the flower pot door, relaxing on the rooftop terrace, and shots of the bedroom and kitchen.

Followers adored the post, with it becoming viral and amassing more than 32,000 likes.

One person declared: “This is so cute,” while another commented: “Omg this is incredible! The attention to detail.”

A third remarked: “Well this is something I never thought I’d see, I love it!”

The Airbnb is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 45 minutes from Twin Falls.

Prices generally begin around $200 (£148) per night.

It’s worth noting that the rooftop patio and outdoor fire pit are accessible late spring through late autumn but may be shut in winter owing to snow.

You can view availability or reserve your stay via the official Airbnb listing.

NEW YORK — In his first 100 days in office, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has governed with a star power unusual in politics.

Crowds of supporters show up to his news conferences. Basic municipal services have been infused with newfound excitement. Celebrities help him promote his agenda.

In the process, he’s been able to notch a few notable early wins. And he’s reached a detente, at least for now, with President Trump, a mercurial leader with an affinity for celebrities.

But as Mamdani, a Democrat, marks an early milestone in his mayoralty, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to leverage his fame into achieving the progressive policy proposals that propelled him to office.

Though he still has staunch critics, many of whom still view his past criticisms of the police department and Israel as major problems, Mamdani has been able to ease concerns among at least some skeptics.

“It’s early but so far, so good,” said Jay Jacobs, chair of the state’s Democratic Party, who made waves for not endorsing Mamdani during the election. “We may not agree on everything philosophically, but he is getting the job done.”

‘The biggest needs and the smallest needs’

As the mayor approached his 100th day — long a benchmark for judging an administration’s opening vision — his team has moved to highlight the administration’s commitment to the everyday responsibilities of the job.

While much of those duties are typical for his local office — picking up trash, plowing snow and filling potholes — the 34-year-old mayor has leaned on his knack for viral content creation to drive interest and awareness of government programs.

To hype up his child-care program for 2-year-olds, Mamdani recruited Cardi B to help judge a jingle contest that will determine the initiative’s theme song. His slick social media videos helped recruit thousands of new snow shovelers as a storm bore down on the city. A public service announcement he made brought more than 50,000 new subscribers to the city’s emergency alert system in a single week.

A few weeks ago, alongside Natasha Cloud of the New York Liberty, Mamdani announced a bracket-style competition in which people could vote on small projects for him to come and personally fix on his 100th day.

On Friday, Mamdani selected a winner — a garbage-filled lot in the Bronx — and helped pick up some of the junk with a sanitation crew, following a celebratory event that featured an overflowing trash can mascot and a cheerleading squad.

“I think every single day it’s an opportunity to meet the needs of New Yorkers,” he said. “And what we’ve seen over the course of this 100 days is that New York City wants to see a city government that is able to meet the biggest needs and the smallest needs.”

The celebrity status, though, can also prompt backlash. During a bitter cold snap, his surprise appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” was seen by some as insensitive at a moment when the death toll of homeless New Yorkers was rapidly rising.

“Too much styling and profiling,” said Curtis Sliwa, a Republican who ran against Mamdani during last year’s election, noting longstanding problems with street homelessness, public housing and infrastructure.

Still, Sliwa, who hammered Mamdani during the campaign but recently appeared in a comedy skit with the mayor during the City Hall press corps’ annual roast, appeared to give Mamdani some credit, even if it came with a caveat.

“We just had Eric Adams, swagger man who’d party to the break of dawn, and now we have a guy who seems like he’s got a normal working schedule,” said Sliwa, referencing the city’s previous mayor. “So having Zohran as the alternative, I think for a lot of people even if they disagree with him, there’s some stability.”

Still a star among supporters

On the night of Mamdani’s election party, hundreds packed the streets, some spontaneously, waiting for a glimpse of the mayor-elect leaving the venue. Departing campaign aides were cheered, by name, well after midnight. One attendee likened the street party to Beatlemania.

“I feel like I’m at a presidential inauguration,” said Medhavie Agnihotri, a 25-year-old tech consultant. “This is the first time in a while I’ve felt this hope.”

His star power has not appeared to wane since then.

Outside City Hall, New Yorkers and tourists frequently stop for selfies, peering through the iron gates in search of the mayor.

This week, on the mayor’s 97th day in office, a crowd gathered in the lobby of the busy Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan to watch as Mamdani announced the city would start transferring Rikers Island jail detainees with serious medical illnesses to a specialized unit at the hospital.

He entered to woos and applause from the onlookers, as many held up cellphones to record videos of the mayor. Dozens more watched along from a set of elevated walkways.

One man, Ricardo Granados, a 67-year-old retiree, was on his way to take his son to a medical appointment but stopped to see what all the hubbub was about just before the news conference started. He appeared delighted to learn the mayor was going to show up, saying he met Mamdani previously when the mayor was campaigning in his neighborhood.

“I’m extremely fond of him. I think he’s going to make a real difference,” Granados said. “He wants to find out who needs what and he wants to help.”

Izaguirre writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Jake Offenhartz contributed to this report.

Former First Minister opens up about voice coaching lesson from late James Bond star Sean Connery on ITV’s The Assembly

Nicola Sturgeon has opened up about a life lesson she received from James Bond legend Sean Connery.

The former First Minister of Scotland is appearing on ITV’s The Assembly, an interview programme featuring a group of autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning-disabled interviewers who question well-known celebrities, with absolutely nothing off limits.

Sturgeon features in the show’s second series, alongside the likes of Sir Stephen Fry and Sir Lenny Henry, building on the success of Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker in the debut series.

In her episode, which airs tomorrow night, she courageously discusses a previous miscarriage, her marriage breakdown, her arrest and her views on Nigel Farage.

In a lighter moment, she also divulges a memorable lesson from Sean Connery, recounting her encounter with the Scottish icon, who portrayed the original James Bond across seven films between 1962 and 1983, reports the Daily Record.

She says, “He was cool to me,” adding, “He gave me a lesson in how to deepen my voice. He made me put a bit of paper between my teeth and just walk around speaking, and it deepened my voice.

“I think that’s quite a cool thing to say, ‘I had a voice coaching lesson from Sean Connery’.”

Prior to her appearance on the programme, the former Scottish National Party leader described the experience as “totally unique” in comparison to the countless TV interviews she had undertaken throughout her political career.

She told STV News: “There was no spin; just raw vulnerability on both sides.”

She continued: “I felt exhausted and really drained, but in a good way. It was a genuine rollercoaster of emotions – one minute I’d be laughing and the next, crying.”

Sturgeon added: “What I took from it was how cathartic it is to open up emotionally to a group of people with no agenda other than hearing honest answers – and to give my answers totally instinctively, without first putting them through the filter of how they might translate into hostile headlines.”

When asked to sum up filming The Assembly in three words, she responded: “Emotional. Fun. Inspiring,” before going on to heap praise on those who interviewed her.

“The Assembly members were brilliant. It’s not easy for anyone to put themselves in the TV spotlight – especially in today’s world – but the guts and the passion shown by them were incredible.

“They don’t need advice from me, but I do want them to know how much they inspired me. If I am forced to give any piece of advice, it would be: don’t listen to armchair critics. You are role models, so stand tall and be proud of what you have achieved.”

The Assembly continues 10pm Friday 10th April on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player

O’Neill has always spoken of wanting his players to play at the highest level, but as mentioned, a significant number of players will be going up against his Rovers to avoid the drop and it’s tight at the bottom.

They include Price at West Brom, who are also four points above the relegation zone, Ciaron Brown, Jamie McDonnell, Jamie Donley and Brodie Spencer at Oxford United, who are one point from safety and Terry Devlin at Portsmouth, who are one point above the drop, while he manages Tom Atcheson at Rovers.

Is it a cause for concern for Northern Ireland that the international boss could potentially relegate some of his regulars in the international squad?

O’Neill certainly didn’t think so.

When asked in February he said he isn’t “having that blood on my hands” and the fate of those clubs lay with their respective managers.

“At the end of the day, my job is to do the best I can for Blackburn Rovers,” he said.

“The lads who manage those respective clubs, their job is to do the best for their clubs as well. I don’t think that’s an issue at all.”

Cynics may question whether O’Neill, who will have reduced preparation time with Rovers for two big games by virtue of preparing NI to face Wales, will deliberately disadvantage Championship rivals while in charge of NI in terms of how he manages the aforementioned players’ loads against Wales with a busy spell of domestic action to follow.

Coincidentally, three of the four players released from the NI squad in Norwich’s Ruairi McConville (knee), Preston’s Ali McCann (knock) and Hull City’s Paddy McNair (thigh) will face three of O’Neill relegation rivals in Portsmouth, Leicester and Oxford on Friday.

O’Neill would refute any suggestion of meddling no doubt and when asked about the cramped schedule said he was “aware of the situation” but stressed he would still focus on helping Northern Ireland win the game in Cardiff.

“We’re not in charge of the schedule of the games for either the international window or the EFL. I think 80% of my squad play in the EFL. We’re mindful of the situation for the clubs, of course, but when the clubs signed these players, they knew they were international players and, we’re not going to be reckless with the players or anything like that there, but, we have to obviously look after ourselves as a group of players,” he explained.

“The most important thing is that the players just go out and play the game. They’ll be fine. The lads who play in the EFL, they play a lot of football and they’re used to playing regular football. So they’ve got resilience and I’m sure they’ll get through the game fine.”

THE Netherlands’ best-kept secret is out . . . Utrecht is now stealing the spotlight from Amsterdam.

With historic streets, lively bars and quirky shops, it is quickly becoming Europe’s must-visit city.

Lonely Planet has tipped it as one of 2026’s hottest destinations and people are already flocking to see what all the fuss is about.

With architectural wonders, canal-side restaurants and intriguing after-dark hotspots, it is easy to see why visitors are falling head over heels for the Dutch delight . . . 

WHY SHOULD I GO?

WITH a labyrinth of canals and charming gabled houses, Utrecht’s streets brim with character.

It delivers all the allure of capital Amsterdam, but without the crowds.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

I went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches

TEMPTED?

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

Beyond the medieval charm, Utrecht offers far more than fairytale backdrops.

It has a vibrant arts and music scene where Johnny Marr, Ride and Wolf Alice have performed.

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, head to the Dom Tower.

Soaring 112 metres, it is the tallest church spire in the Netherlands and has been a landmark since 1382.

Climb right to the top for your panoramic views.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

UTRECHT is one of the world’s most walkable cities, with 75 per cent of locals on foot or bike.

Explore the old town, or hop on a 90-minute canal cruise to discover historic wharves and charming houses — all brought to life by tales from a skipper.

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

GO underground at DOMunder and wander through 2,000 years of history beneath the streets, including Roman ruins and medieval cellars.

Art lovers will swoon at the Rietveld Schroder house, a Unesco-listed modernist gem.

Meanwhile, the Museum Speelklok lets visitors relive history with its whimsical self- playing musical instruments.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

KICKSTART your day at Bunk, a chic spot in a converted church.

The Dutch Breakfast (£16) serves up Eggs Benedict, a cheesy pancake, and a Dutch speciality — a spicy slice of cake for a quirky but delicious way to start your day.

For a laid-back lunch, head to Il Pozzo, tucked away on the waterfront. Its wood-fired pizzas are perfect for a lazy meal as you watch the boats drift by.

On the go? Toque Toque sells toasted sandwiches starting at £7.

For an elegant dinner, try Jack Rabbit, with its oversized shimmering rabbit on the walls.

There are small plates of tuna sashimi and sea bass ceviche, crafted cocktails and a buzzing, hip vibe.

If you are after something heartier, Broadway Steakhouse sizzles with a relaxed, stylish setting.

I FANCY A DRINK

CANAL-SIDE sips and cocktail bars set the scene for an evening out.

Kick things off at the on-trend Café Olivier, a converted abbey with vaulted walls serving Belgian beers from £3.90.

Then wander along the Oudegracht to De Rechtbank, a buzzing hotspot with inventive cocktails and a lively terrace.

For a more laid-back vibe, check out Vino Vero, where the expertly chosen wines come at surprisingly great prices.

If you are after something more exotic, duck into the city’s cellars to The Rum Club, where rum cocktails and reggae beats transport you to the Caribbean.

Café DeRat, with a rotating selection of local brews, keeps regulars coming back for more.

And for a touch of glamour, head to Café Lebowski, a speakeasy-style bar where cocktails are expertly crafted in an intimate setting.

WHERE TO STAY

THE Moxy Utrecht is a fun, budget-friendly option in the city centre.

With stylish rooms, a buzzing bar, playful decor, oversized chess sets and complimentary bike hire, it’s the perfect base.

Rooms start from £92 a night.

For those ready to splash out, Grand Hotel Karel V, housed in a former 14th-century monastery, is pure indulgence.

It combines historic charm with modern luxury and also has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a great wellness centre.