Weekend Content

A HIDDEN Greek island is set to boom next year thanks to a major blockbuster movie.

Ithaca in Greece is known as being the home of Odysseus from Homer’s Odyssey.

And thanks to the recent Hollywood movie release, the island is expecting more tourists.

Quieter than its famous neighbours, you’ll find olive groves across the island as well as secluded coves that are ideal for snorkelling.

In the capital, Vathy, you can head to one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

The town is also home to an Archaeological Museum with artefacts dating back to the Roman times.

Read more on travel inspo

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

GET A ROOM

13 London hotels we love for UNDER £100- all-inclusives & bargain suites

And if you hadn’t had enough of museums, you could then head to the Nautical and Folklore Museum, which dates back to 1923 and showcases the lifestyle of Old Ithaca.

Like many places in Greece, there are also a number of archaeological sites to explore such as the School of Homer.

Or you could visit Aestos – an ancient acropolis sat on a hilltop.

According to Sunvil, the island has “barely changed for centuries” making it the perfect Greek holiday without the crowds and influences of modernity.

There are several beaches across the island to explore including Gidaki Beach, which is a white pebble beach with clear waters.

You can get to the beach by hiking or boat.

Filiatro Beach is probably the most accessible; it is a short drive from Vathy.

At the beach you can rent a sunbed and there is a small beach bar as well.

A recent visitor said: “Love this beach, parking simple, turquoise waters, calm, great for snorkeling, toilets available, paddle boards to hire kept our kids happy, loads of shade under the olive trees.”

From Ithaca you can also head to a number of other islands, including Kefalonia and seasonally to Lefkada, Corfu and Zante.

There are lots of places to stay on Ithaca, though most of the options are villas – including ones with breathtaking views and pools.

The best way to get to Ithaca is by flying to Kefalonia Airport, which costs from £28 per flight.

The drive is around 30 minutes to the port of Sami where you can catch a ferry over to Ithaca, which takes around another 30 minutes.

A NEW area of one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions is being opened to the public.

The Natural History Museum in London is officially the UK’s most popular attraction, with seven million tourists visiting each year and soon a new area in the museum will open.

Closed since World War II, the Nature and Us gallery will open to the public next month.

Opening on September 16, the gallery will be free to visit and will be home to 50 objects linked to humans’ relationship with the natural world.

The space has been closed to the public since 1943 and includes a miniature model of a Crystal Palace dinosaur and Jenny, a Victorian skeleton of a monk seal.

Visitors will also be able to touch a replica jaw of one of Britain’s earliest known domesticated dogs, which dates to around 14,300 years ago.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

All visitors can then have their say on their favourite stories from the gallery, which will then be moved into the permanent collection in 2029.

The gallery is located on the second floor of the museum.

It used to be a skeleton gallery and mammal gallery.

When the museum’s original herbarium was damaged during the Second World War, it was then turned into the botanicals new home.

Today, the original wooden herbarium cabinets remain.

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Museum, said: “Reopening this remarkable gallery is an exciting moment for the Museum.

“For the first time in over 80 years, visitors will be able to step into this beautiful historic space and explore our changing relationship with the natural world.

“It’s another important step in our NHM150 transformation as we create new spaces that inspire people to become advocates for the planet.”

The reopening of the gallery is part of the NHM150 campaign which includes opening a new or revitalised gallery each year until 2031.

BEFORE Netflix dominated TV screens, quiz shows were all the rage in many British households.

Due to the limited channels, primetime shows would see figures reach 19million for the peak-time shows with the presenters becoming huge household names. 

However, would these dominant shows from the 60s to 90s be put in front of modern TV viewers today?

Times have evolved and many of the outdated jokes would not land well with audiences – especially families on a Saturday night.

Here, we look at some once-popular TV shows that quite possibly wouldn’t make it to air today… 

Man O Man 

Hosted by Chris Tarrant from 1996 to 1999 before his Who Wants To Be A Millionaire stint, Man O Man effectively was a beauty pageant for men.

DATE DRAMAS

Inside Blind Date’s controversial moments, as Maura Higgins is to host reboot

ROUND TWO

Controversial reality show with £100k prize lands second series after success

Ten chaps competed in front of an all-female audience in just swimwear for one section, and would perform chat-up lines and show their muscles.

Then, 125 women would vote for them, and if a female contestant wasn’t impressed, she’d push the man into the pool.

While some described the show as inverting stereotypical tropes and being tongue-in-cheek, others felt it was degrading and encouraged public humiliation.

Bullseye 

During its peak from 1981 to 1995, Sunday night darts show Bullseye drew up to 20million viewers.

The show saw host Jim Bowen – known for catchphrases such as “super, smashing, great” – guide three pairs of contestants through the darts and quiz questions.

However, ex-teacher Bowen’s comedy frequently relied on punching down at contestants, including body shaming women.

In one toe-curling exchange, he asked Jane Groves about her weight loss journey after she did a sponsored slim.

Bowen cruelly asked: “How much do you owe?” and when audiences stopped laughing, he added: “That’s very unkind of me.”

The show has been rebooted in recent years, with ex cricketer Andrew Flintoff taking the helm, and guest appearance by Britain’s teen darts hero Luke Littler.  

3-2-1 

From 1978 to 1988, the TV show 3-2-1 brought Ted Rogers, his sidekick Dusty Bin, and a large dose of sexism into millions of homes. 

Rogers commanded the stage while surrounded by silently objectified “3-2-1 girls,” whose main purpose was to wear revealing outfits that often matched to the prizes. 

Rogers’ routine heavily featured old-fashioned sexist “nagging wife” tropes and jokes that modern audiences could find intolerable.

They Think It’s All Over 

Airing from 1995 to 2006, this sports panel show fostered a hyper-masculine, “locker room” environment.

Panelists routinely demeaned female guests and admitted they “behaved like teenagers” whenever they were booked in.    

The show was originally hosted by Nick Hancock, and saw two captains, often David Gower, Gary Lineker, Phil Tufnell, Ian Wright, and David Seaman, joined by comedians and sporting stars.

Ex Manchester United footballer Luke Chadwick received a public apology from Hancock and Gary Lineker over jokes made about his physical appearance, including his teeth and acne, on the show.

One example of the bullying was: “This photo of Luke Chadwick was ruined… when Luke Chadwick turned up.”

He admitted to BBC in 2020 that the comments affected his mental health.

Chadwick shared: “I became a picture of fun, and that was probably the hardest thing. 

“Obviously people were finding it funny, but it was eating away at me a bit inside while that was happening.”

Olympian Fatima Whitbread settled for an undisclosed figure when she took the show to court in 1999, with Rory McGrath saying: “We joked she failed the urine test because she got her c*** stuck in the bottle.”

Mr and Mrs 

Running from 1965 to 1999 after originating in Canada, Mr and Mrs championed old family dynamics that feel rather archaic now. 

Host Derek Batey questioned heterosexual couples, consistently reinforcing a dynamic where the husband was the primary breadwinner and the wife a homemaker.

The game, which many people will know from hen or stag parties, involved each person answering questions about their partner, with the aim to get enough right to bag a jackpot.

Its narrow definition of marriage and with Batey referring to some ladies as “my darling”, mean it probably wouldn’t land well with modern viewers. 

The Generation Game 

Occupying prime Saturday night viewing from 1971 to 2002, The Generation Game featured casual sexism despite its massive popularity under hosts Bruce Forsyth, Larry Grayson, and later Jim Davidson.

Contestants would watch prizes go past on a conveyor belt and would have to recall what they saw in order to take a haul home. 

Glamorous assistants like Anthea Redfearn and Rosemarie Ford were relegated to secondary roles on the Saturday night BBC show, and were seen modelling prizes and smiling silently.

Bruce famously courted and married his hostess, Anthea, before they divorced six years later in 1979.

During their tenure together, Forsyth regularly flirted with her on camera, and instructed her to spin around so the studio audience could “have a look at you.”

The Price is Right 

Brought to ITV from the US, The Price is Right – which has aired between 1984 and 2007 – was first hosted Leslie Crowther, who had previously fronted the deeply controversial Black and White Minstrel Show.

Later Bruce Forsyth took the helm, and airing on Saturday night at 7pm, audience contestants would guess the cost of various items to win prizes.

A rather sexist element of the show were the ‘Host’s Hostesses’.

Typically models were hired for the role, which involved them smiling and looking glamorous as they’d drape themselves across the prizes without uttering a word.

Blankety Blank 

A recent reboot of Blankety Blank, hosted by Bradley Walsh, was cut in July by the BBC to reduce costs.

However, the original version – which ran from 1979 to 1990 – would certainly raise eyebrows today. 

Deadpan comedic presenter Les Dawson was known for sharing numerous offensive jokes about his mother-in-law and wife, and relying on sexist quips.

SOMETIMES finding a holiday spot just for adults that encourages the ultimate relaxation can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, one Greek island is home to a premium five-star resort that’s adults-only an will transport you straight to the Maldives.

Stella Island Luxury Resort in Crete, Greece looks as if it belongs in the bucket list destination thanks to its crystal clear water and overwater bungalows.

A massive lagoon-style pool also snakes through the villas.

There are 12 room types to choose from, including overwater nests where ground floor rooms have swim up pools.

And it isn’t just the pools that are great – the complex also has seven restaurants to choose from including a buffet, fine dining venue, Greek taverna, steaks and cuts restaurant, an Asian spot, a Mexican spot and a more casual lunch restaurant.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

You won’t be short of places to grab a tipple either, as there are five poolside bars.

Inside the hotel you can indulge yourself too, at the spa with an indoor heated pool, Turkish bath, hot tubs and massages available.

There’s a gym, tennis courts and padel courts too as well as the option to paddleboard on the pool that weaves through the complex.

If you really want the Maldives treatment, you could even have your breakfast floating in the pool.

A recent visitor said: “Such an amazing place in every way. The resort is exceptional from the moment you arrive.

“The food in the restaurants is amazing but I have to say that the buffet is the best I have encountered.

“First class entertainment and service in all areas.

“We enjoyed it so much, we’ve already booked for next year.”

Just 15 minutes walk from the resort is the village of Analipsi, where you will find a selection of small shops as well as tavernas.

What makes all of this even better is that from stepping outside of Crete airport the resort is only 15 minutes away.

The easiest way to get to the resort is by flying to Heraklion Airport on Crete, which costs as little as £29 per way.

JUST over an hour from the UK you could visit a pretty village famous for revolutionising European travel.

Schengen is a quiet village in the southeast of Luxembourg, bordering Germany and France and just an hour from Luxembourg city.

The village was the precise spot where the 1985 Schengen Agreement was signed, creating Europe’s passport-free travel zone.

The small village – home to just 500 people – was chosen due to its location on the borders of the three countries.

In Schengen, you can head to the Schengen Museum, which costs just €3 per person to enter and showcases the history of the Schengen Agreement.

The museum even has items that have been seized at borders.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

Visitors can even step into the signing room where the agreement was signed, onboard the Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa vessel.

When having a wander around the village look out for the Schengen Memorial which is formed of steel columns displaying national stars, located along the waterfront.

Nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can also head to Stromberg Nature Reserve, with picturesque hikes through vineyard trails.

Once you reach the top of Stromberg hill, you will see panoramic views of all three neighboring countries.

If you want to stay in the town and enjoy its peacefulness, you can head to the Schengen Castle.

The grand chateau dates back to the 13th century when it was a moated fortress although reopened in 2024 as a hotel.

Rooms cost as little as €100 (£85.64) for a double room, but you could splurge and get the Royal Suite for €180 (£154.16) a night.

You can fly from London Stansted with Ryanair in an hour and 15 minutes for as little as £14.99 a way.

Then once in Luxembourg, bus transport is entirely free.

ONE tiny village in the North of England has been dubbed one of the best places to visit.

It’s surrounded by ‘Little Switzerland’s‘ rolling hills, not to mention it has a wild swimming spot that’s is considered England‘s highest beach.

The Independent put the village of Todmorden in top spot when ranking its ‘best places to visit in summer‘.

It said: “Hebden Bridge, up the road, is a tourist magnet. Happy Valley put Calderdale on the TV pilgrims’ map. But Todmorden at the eastern end of the valley has retained a down-to-earth, organic quality.“

It continued: “With the historic Lancashire-Yorkshire border running through the town – even cutting the Town Hall in half – it’s a mix of rural and urban, Mancunian and West Riding, poshed-up and proletarian.“

Found in Lancashire, Todmorden sits in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

It has a few pubs like the Golden Lion, Hare & Hounds and The Polished Knob as well as cafes, an indoor market.

Some of the houses sit on the waterfront as the River Calder runs directly through Todmorden.

The village is also very close to Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley managed by the National Trust.

It’s often referred to as ‘Little Switzerland‘ thanks to its steep Alpine-style hills, valley, streams and rock ravines.

It also has a 19th-century mill that is open to visitors.

One of its most popular attractions in Todmorden is Gaddings Dam which is a Victorian reservoir high up on the moors.

At 1,150 feet above sea level, it’s actually considered the highest beach in England and is a wild swim spot managed by the local communities.

One visitors said: “Wow! Went here one sunny, but windy day in July. Took about half an hour to walk to the top but well worth it when we got there!

“Make sure you take water and refreshments as there is nothing at the top apart from beautiful scenery! Only a small beach and only a handful of people there but was really peaceful.”

Another added: “Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic.”

Another popular site near Todmorden is Stoodley Pike, a landmark along the Pennine Way.

It overlooks both Todmorden and the neighbouring town of Hebden Bridge.

Lots of hikers say the spot ‘gets windier every single time you visit’ but is worth the walk for the ‘unreal’ views.

Meanwhile, Hebden Bridge is Todmorden’s more well-known neighbour considered ‘quirky’ and ‘bohemian’ thanks to its many artists, crafters, brewers and beekeepers.

Here’s the full list of the best places to visit in the North of England…

1. Todmorden, Lancashire
2. Ouseburn, Newcastle
3. Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham
4. AND festival, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
5. The GM Ringway, Manchester and surroundings
6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
7. Pub Festival, Preston, Lancashire
8. Queen Street Mill, Burnley, Lancashire
9. Whitehaven, Cumbria
10. Lune Valley, Lancashire and Cumbria

EVER watched a TV show or film and wished you could live in the characters’ worlds for a day?

Now, a growing number of iconic TV and film properties are opening their doors to fans to book to stay overnight.

Gavin and Stacey viewers, for example, can book the exact house that was home to Uncle Bryn (played by Rob Brydon) on Airbnb.

Based on the iconic Barry Island in Wales, it is decorated just as it was in Bryn’s ‘bachelor paradise’ during episode three of series three.

It can house six guests across two bedrooms, with two nights in September for three guests setting you back £455.

But it’s not the only filming location you can walk onto. 

More on filming locations

Sea For Yourself

Where The Odyssey was filmed: Locations in Scotland, Greece and Italy

Where the Love Island 2026 villa is: Filming location for series 13

Here are 10 iconic TV and film sets around the world where you can spend the night…

De Vere House (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1)

While it may not be Hogwarts, you can also have a magical stay sleeping at Harry Potter’s birthplace and childhood home in Godric’s Hollow.

Located in medieval Lavenham, the Grade I-listed De Vere House was built in the 14th century and features four-poster beds and traditional stone fireplaces.

You can separately book one of the two ensuite rooms, which have access to a guest sitting room where you can toast marshmallows and crumpets over the fire.

The stay also includes a full English breakfast and fluffy robes – but sadly no flying broomsticks.
You are required to book two nights minimum, which costs from £390.

Yew Tree Farm (Miss Potter)

Experience a slice of history by booking the exact home owned by Beatrix Potter herself in the 1930s.

The Grade II-listed 17th-century Lake District property also doubled as Hill Top Farm in the 2006 Miss Potter movie starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. 

The three-bedroom holiday rental comfortably sleeps six and comes with dark oak beams, four-poster beds, and antique furniture that belonged to Beatrix Potter. 

Guests can enjoy the surrounding fells, meet roaming Herdwick sheep, and relax in a private outdoor hot tub on the estate.

You can typically book the property out for around £750 per night.

The Spice Bus (Spice World)

It’s not only bricks and mortar filming locations that you can book. 

Spice Girls fans can have a night in the Union Jack-decorated Spice Bus, which featured in the 1997 pop movie Spice World.

Parked on the Isle of Wight, the original 1978 Bristol double-decker bus is now a cozy retreat that sleeps up to three people from £99 a night.

While it can be booked for nostalgic stays, it could also be the ideal party or hen do backdrop too.

Highclere Castle’s London Lodge (Downton Abbey)

Downton Abbey fans can step into the world of the privileged family by checking into filming location Highclere Castle.

While you can’t sleep in Lord Grantham’s main bedroom, you can stay on the Crawley family’s estate at the restored London Lodge for from £350 a night.

During the day, guests can wander the estate’s rolling parklands and enjoy views of the main castle facade. 

Porthpean House (About Time)

Nestled right above the coastal waters in St Austell, Cornwall, this 19th-century manor served as the beloved family home of Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) and his dad (Bill Nighy) in Richard Curtis’s About Time film. 

Known off-screen as Porthpean House, the 12-bedroom property sleeps up to 21 guests and opens straight out onto rolling lawns that lead down to a secluded beach. 

Guests can spend their time in the grand drawing room complete with a piano, play croquet on the grass, or potter barefoot down to the water just like the Lake family. 

Not only is it available for private family rentals, but also weddings too. 

Lostwithiel Manor (Poldark)

This wildcard rental is The Lostwithiel Manor Estate that sits deep in the Cornish countryside, four miles from Lostwithiel.

It’s a property perfect for a wedding, or special event due to its sprawling size.

Lostwithiel Manor that has been the filming location for so many shows from The Three Musketeers, My Cousin Rachel, Delicious starring Dawn French and of course, Poldark.

One guest said: “Fires and candles lit every morning. Flowers from the garden on the tables. Relaxed, attentive staff with a genuine love of the house and its history.”

The nine-bedroom property has a library, gallery, a drawing room with a working fireplace, and a beautiful garden room.

If you fancy getting married or having a party at a filming hot spot, head to Oliverstravels.

Bella Swan’s House (Twilight)

If you grew up watching Twilight, you will recall the iconic 1930s home used for the interior and exterior filming of Bella and Charlie Swan’s house.

Costing around $450 (£350) per night, the Oregon property has been kept as a homage to the 2008 hit film.

Movie memorabilia and photographs fill every room of the five-bedroom property, and you can even eat at the same dining table where Charlie and Bella shared their meals on screen.

Villanelle’s Art Nouveau Apartment (Killing Eve)

Many Killing Eve fans will recall the striking flat that assassin Villanelle stayed in during the third season of the show. 

Located in Barcelona‘s trendy Gràcia district, it features lofty ceilings and stained-glass details.

Not only can you soak up the stunning architecture in the two bedroom flat, which is around £232 per night, but you also get access to a garden pool.

SHE’S been an integral part of the Kardashian family’s success for the last decade. 

But recently it seems things between businesswoman and Dragon’s Den star Emma Grede and the KarJenners – especially Khloe, 42 – have cooled off dramatically. 

Emma, 43, and KoKo partnered to launch denim brand Good American back in October 2016, which made a staggering $1million in its first day.

But fast forward ten years, and while Khloe remains an owner of the fashion line today, she’s since expressed she no longer feels the need to be as involved.

“Good American is doing so well, and Good American is strong enough and stable enough to sustain on its own,” she explained during a recent episode of her podcast Khloe in Wonderland.

With Khloe and Emma now spending less time working together their friendship has essentially dissolved, The Sun understands.

RACING KAR

Kim Kardashian shares intimate new pics with Lewis Hamilton as fans gush

DASHING THEIR HOPES

New Kardashian reality show ‘flops’ before even starts

A well-placed insider tells us: “Over time, Khloe just wasn’t as involved – she started cancelling events and not promoting the brand.

“She has a lot on in her personal life, as fans know, but Emma is a businesswoman first and foremost and that just didn’t wash with her. 

“Khloe has so much going on and it just wasn’t a priority in her life. In theory, Khloe is still the founder of Good American but it’s Emma who does the hard work behind the scenes. I don’t think Khloe & Emma are on speaking terms now.”

Earlier this year, Khloe dropped the biggest hint yet she was ‘consciously uncoupling’ from her friendship with Emma when she unfollowed her on Instagram. 

Our source adds: “They are both smart women who realised it was time to part ways professionally, and they had to navigate it carefully so the brand wasn’t damaged as they are both heavily involved.”

After setting up Good American with Khloe, Emma later teamed up with Kim, 45, to work on her shapewear line SKIMS which debuted in 2019. 

And she also joined forces with Kylie Jenner, 29, in 2023 to launch her fashion brand KHY.

But in recent years Emma’s own star has been on the rise. She joined Dragon’s Den in 2024 and she’s been a recurring guest investor on the American version Shark Tank since 2021. 

She launched her podcast Aspire in 2025 and earlier this year released her book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life. 

The Sun understands that, while she was initially happy to fade into the background on projects with the Kardashians, Emma is keen for her hard work to be seen these days. 

“As her profile has grown over the last few years, Emma wants her own hard work recognised,” an insider said. “Good American was Emma’s brain child, but it was Khloe’s investment and her profile that made it happen.

“The fall out with Khloe didn’t affect Emma’s relationship with Kim or the rest of the family, they’ve compartmentalised that off, but it’s very much a business-only relationship. 

“Emma is still very involved with Skims, and despite Kim being a mum of four, she’s still extremely hands on and promotes the brand all the time.”

Fans were left convinced that Emma was taking a swipe at Khloe during an interview with Cardi B on her podcast earlier this year. 

Rapper Cardi, 33, said: “Oh my God, please y’all – if you ever want to build something, please choose good partners.

“Not everybody with money [is a] good partner. I’m telling you.”

Sparking speculation that she was taking aim at Khloe, Emma was quick to quip loudly: “Oh yeah, say that again…”

Our source added: “Going their separate ways professionally has not been easy and it has affected Emma and Khloe’s friendship, because it’s hard to move past ending a working partnership and there are grievances on both sides.”

The Sun has reached out to representatives for Khloe and Emma for comment. 

A NINETIES rocker with curly pink hair and specs looks almost unrecognisable, 29 years after her iconic smash hit song.

The performer, 68, appears world’s away from her previous on-stage persona, rocking a very different look these days.

Meredith Brooks was all the rage back in the late nineties following the release of her debut album in 1997.

In recent pictures posted on her Instagram, Meredith today sports big curly red locks, which is a far cry from her trademark jet black hair and rock chic ware from her stage heyday.

In one snap, she shows off her rouge hair in it’s natural curly state as she poses for the picture.

She captioned it: “I don’t think many of you have ever seen what my hair looks like before styling…

new chapter

Junior Andre eyes up major ITV presenting role – after returning to music

CAPRI HUN

Cara Delevingne strips topless & saucily sucks on a straw in sexy music video

“I’ve always been a curly girl. What do you think?”

One fan commented: “Raw, authentic, true nature, beauty.”

Another follower gushed: “Wow!!!! I wish I had known this in 1997, when I was a young 20-something musician obsessing over your straight hair on the cover of Blurring the Edges. You’re as gorgeous as ever!!”

While a third added: “Your hair looks terrific. You are gorgeous Meredith!!!”

In another picture uploaded to her feed, she’s seen smiling while wearing a pair of specs and a black baseball cap.

Meredith landed a record deal with Capitol Records back in 1995 and went on to release her album ‘Blurring the Edges’ two years later.

It went to number 22 in the US charts and became a top 10 album in various territories including the UK, Switzerland, Austria and New Zealand.

Her first song from the album, ‘B****’ landed in the number 2 spot and became a huge hit.

Meredith bagged two Grammy award nominations in 1998 for Best Rock Song and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

She went on to release five more albums as well as many other singles but they failed to create the same impact as her first album and first track.

These days Meredith is managing and operating her production company, Kissing Booth Music.

She’s also producing, writing and coaching emerging artists and musicians.

YOU’VE heard of the pink beach in Crete and the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, but have you ever heard of the beach where stones look like stars?

On one tiny island, one popular activity is collecting the beautiful souvenir – although they’re not easy to spot.

Off the coast of Taketomi Island in Japan is Kaiji Beach, also called “Hoshizuna-hama” which translates to star sand beach.

Along with regular sand on its shore are tiny star-shaped fragments.

They might look like magical trinkets, but actually they are exoskeletons of microscopic marine organisms called Foraminifera.

As microscopic suggests, these stars are incredibly hard to find with many visitors saying “they’re really tiny”.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

But that doesn’t stop visitors from trying to find them – but there’s still a chance to see them as nearby stalls allows beachgoers to see them with a magnifying glass.

The beach itself is very pretty with white sands and bright blue waters.

On Tripadvisor one visitor called it a “beautiful beach with great views of Iriomote and Kohama islands.”

Another called it one of the “best Instagram spots in Okinawa“.

The only downside to the beach is that swimming is not allowed because of the strong currents.

If you do fancy a dip, head to nearby Konoi Beach on the western side of the island which has a huge beachfront and soft white sand.

The island itself is off the southwestern coast of mainland Japan and is actually closer to Taiwan.

Other spots to explore is its preserved Ryukyu village with lots of hibiscus and colourful bougainvillea flowers.

It’s essentially a small, open-air museum where visitors can look inside old Japanese houses with lots of traditional souvenirs and even eisa performances.

For anyone wanting to stay on the island, most accommodations are guesthouses or family-run B&Bs called minshuku.

There are regular high-speed boat rides to Taketomi Island from nearby Ishigaki which take just 10-minutes.

That’s the best way to visit as Ishigaki is linked to Tokyo by plane which takes under three hours.

A HOLLYWOOD icon looks incredible as she dances in a swimsuit with a bottle of rosé in her hand – but would you have clocked her?

The legendary actress, 80, has been spending some quality time with her family while on holiday across Europe.

In the short clip, Goldie Hawn is seen pulling out some dance moves while wearing the black bathing suit embroidered with silver crystals.

Her daughter Kate Hudson took to her Instagram feed to share a video of her mother being as fabulous as ever.

Stylish Goldie wore a grey cardigan over the top and accessorised with a silver necklace and a clip in her hair.

The Overboard actress held a nearly-finished bottle in her hand as she sashayed her way out of the shot.

TOMDAYA

How Tom & Zendaya became Hollywood’s ‘It’ couple with most important role to come

stars aligned

Hollywood A-listers sign up for big budget new BBC drama based on hit book

Kate, 47, also shared a whole host of other snaps and videos as the family were pictured having the best time.

She captioned it: “A few love letters from Europe.”

Her followers flocked to the comments section to compliment Goldie in particular.

One person gushed: “Omg your Mom!! I love her energy!!”

Another Instagram user enthused: “I want to be @goldiehawn in my next life.”

Somebody else commented: “Love you and your mom!! I’m sure your kids are just as amazing.”

While a fourth added: “I love your mum. She’s always dancing and being happy.”

Goldie started out in Hollywood back in 1966 with her career spanning over six-decades.

Her most famous roles include The First Wives Club, Private Benjamin, Overboard and Death Becomes Her.

Goldie has won several awards over the years, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for a BAFTA and two primetime Emmy Awards.

She married musician Bill Hudson in 1976, before welcoming daughter Kate and son Oliver into the world.

However, the pair got divorced after just four-years of marriage.

Goldie began dating actor Kurt Russell in 1983 and although they never got married, they welcomed son Wyatt in 1986.

Kate began her own career in 1996 and has become a staple in Hollywood in her own right.

She’s appeared in iconic films including How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, You, Me and Dupree, Bride Wars and Raising Helen.

Kate is mum to three children, with her eldest son Ryder, 22, from her former marriage to musician Chris Robinson.

She shares 15-year-old son Bingham with ex-fiance and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

The Hollywood star is also mum to seven-year-old daughter Rani with her fiance Danny Fujikawa.

She and Danny first met in 2016 and got engaged in 2021.

THERE are a few villages in the UK that give an insight into old England, let alone destinations from across the pond.

There’s a city in North Carolina that has a hint of British about it as they speak “Elizabethan English”.

Ocracoke is a village on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s coastal Outer Banks region.

It’s a 16-mile long barrier island – which is a long long sand ridge parallel to the mainland coast, separated by a shallow body of water like a bay or lagoon.

The island, considered the ‘Pearl of the Outer Banks’ is home to around 800 people of whom who have their own unique way of speaking.

One visitor described the locals’ accent as being “Elizabethan English”.

ISLE GO

Why Maldives holidays are cheaper than EVER – with crazy bargains from £1,437pp

HOLS AT HOME

UK beaches we rate BETTER than abroad – with stays from £12pp a night

Brian Carlton told the BBC: “People here just have their own way of speaking: it’s like someone took Elizabethan English, sprinkled in some Irish tones and 1700s Scottish accents, then mixed it all up with pirate slang.”

He even made a remark about being called a “dingbatter”.

The dialect is called ‘Hoi Toider’, which is a rare mix of English, Irish, and Scottish accents mixed with early maritime slang.

It’s almost only spoken on the Outer Banks islands in North Carolina.

Residents all live in the central Ocracoke Village which is also where visitors will find shops, restaurants and bars – but none that you would have seen before.

It has strict regulations about preserving its small town charm, so only independent, regional brands are allowed.

Every shop, hotel, and restaurant on the island is locally owned and operated.

Standing high in the town is its 75ft tall lighthouse which is the oldest operating light station in North Carolina.

Being an island, there are lots of beaches along a 16-mile stretch – one called Ocracoke Village Beach is one is just beyond the main town.

On Tripadvisor, one visitor called it the “Best Beach on the Outer Banks”

Another said: “Beautiful beaches on Ocracoke and always special. When you look around you on the beaches, you see and feel peace.”

Along the shore, a second beach is South Point which is a popular fishing spot and where visitors are likely to find a a Scotch Bonnet which is the rare state shell of North Carolina.

The island has rich history too as it was once a popular hideout spot for notorious pirate, Blackbeard.

The shallow waters around the island provided ideal cover and Ocracoke Inlet allowed him to trap merchant ships.

Ocracoke Island was actually the site of Blackbeard’s final battle in the 1700s.

The best way to get to the island now is also by ship, but luckily, it’s much safer.

The most frequent is the Hatteras Ferry which takes around two hours and it’s completely free.

Others involve getting a ferry from Cedar Island of the Swan Quarter.

For those wanting to fly, the airport is so small there aren’t any commercial flights.

Instead travellers will have to charter a flight, or arrive in their own plane.

AS she returns to the UK stage for the first time in years, we reveal how heartache has left its mark on Ariana Grande.

She is the quintessential pop princess.

But away from the bright lights of fame, Ariana Grande has had to overcome more serious challenges than any of her contemporaries.

And while it is Taylor Swift who is known for her defining “eras”, Ariana has done some major reinvention of her own.

As she arrives at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday for a 10-night stint of her The Eternal Sunshine Tour – her first in seven years – it will be a very different woman to the one who last performed in the capital.

An insider reveals: “Her tour might be called Eternal Sunshine, but there’s no doubt she’s battled some really dark days and dealt with more tragedy than most her age. Perhaps most impressively, she keeps going, whether it’s movies, music or her search for true love.”

Fresh from her gruelling two-movie Wicked filming schedule and press tour, which took over her life for the best part of three years, Ariana, 33, is back doing what her fans love most – being a pop star.

Her tour sold out in 15 minutes, with more than 2 million people trying to buy tickets when they were released in September.

Her big UK comeback coincides with a time of emotional turmoil for the star, though.

In June, following weeks of speculation, it was confirmed she had split from Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, who played munchkin Boq alongside her “good” witch Glinda, after three years together.

While it was claimed they are still friends, those who know the singer have said there is “deep sadness” for Ariana surrounding the split.

The pair’s relationship had caused huge controversy after Ethan left his wife, childhood sweetheart Lilly Jay, for Ariana in 2023, shortly after the birth of the couple’s son.

He had fallen for her during filming, and the outcry threatened to overshadow promo for the first Wicked film.

“The whole thing was a major strain,” the source says. “Ariana has been desperate to put all of it behind her.”

The split was the latest blow for the star, who pursued fame from a young age.

Born in Florida in 1993 to parents Joan Grande and Edward Butera, she landed her first role in a Broadway show aged just 15.

Her major break came a year later, when she was cast as the bubbly Cat Valentine in Nickelodeon hit series Victorious, turning her into a household name.

But it was her extraordinary four-octave vocal range that truly set her apart from her contemporaries, and by her early 20s Ariana had made the leap from TV favourite to global superstar, topping charts around the world with singles such as Right There and The Way.

Meanwhile, her love life was rarely out of the headlines.

She enjoyed romances with rappers Big Sean and Mac Miller, not to mention her infamous engagement to comedian Pete Davidson (Ariana broke the internet when she commented that Pete had “big d**k energy”), as well as a short-lived marriage to luxury real-estate agent Dalton Gomez, which ended months before news emerged of her relationship with Ethan.

It was Mac Miller who supported her through one of the most difficult times of her life.

In May 2017, 22 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured when a terrorist attack took place at her Manchester Arena concert.

The bombing was the deadliest terrorist attack in the UK since the 2005 London bombings, and it deeply affected everyone who survived it – as well as those close to the victims.

Ariana developed PTSD in the aftermath, and then-boyfriend Mac dropped everything to help her through it.

A year later, however, further tragedy struck when the rapper, who by then had split from Ariana, died after an accidental drug overdose.

After so much grief in such a short space of time, the star revealed it was her music that helped her to cope.

“I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD and all different kinds of grief and depression and anxiety,” she told The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast, Awards Chatter.

“I was, of course, treating it very seriously, but having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life.”

While Ariana’s fans are delighted that she’s made a return to touring – and there are a lot, with 363 million followers on Instagram alone – her tour dates have not resulted in the celebration she may have hoped for.

Concerns have been raised about her dramatic weight loss in recent years, exacerbated by her return to the stage.

One commenter wrote: “Objectively speaking, Ariana Grande is dangerously underweight.” Another added: “She needs help.”

It’s undeniable that Ariana is much smaller than she once was.

The singer was forced to comment about her size when speculation reached fever pitch during Wicked promotional interviews.

Both she and co-star Cynthia Erivo were subjected to relentless chatter about their thinness.

During an interview to promote the first film, Ariana was asked how she copes with exacting beauty standards for women and the “overwhelming” pressure they feel to always look perfect.

It was a question that elicited an emotional response. Holding back tears, Ariana replied: ”Good question,” before describing the pressures of growing up famous.

“I’ve been doing this in front of the public and kind of been a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17 years old, so I have heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons.”

She then went on to condemn the narrative, adding: “I think in today’s society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all [with] commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health or how they present themselves.

“There’s a comfortability that people have commenting on that, that I think is really dangerous – and I think it’s dangerous for all parties involved.”

Those who know Ariana best are understandably protective of the singer, who is repeatedly described as “sensitive” and “vulnerable” behind the scenes, but also praised for her incredible professional commitment.

She is said to be “laser-focused” when it comes to work. The various trials and tribulations life has thrown at her, they say, have left her “damaged, but determined to grow and make a difference with her music and performances”.

It was bagging the role of Glinda, says one insider, that changed the course of Ariana’s life forever.

“This is a role she had wanted to play since she was a child, and Ariana gave it everything. It pushed her on, and she’s never looked back – it definitely raised the bar when it came to her career. It took everything out of the cast, though, as they cared so much.”

Friends and co-stars of Ariana all say the same – that she is uniquely kind and loving.

The Sun’s Associate Bizarre Editor Howell Davies recalls meeting her in the aftermath of the Manchester bombings, and her One Love Manchester concert to honour those who’d lost their lives.

He says: “I had been a massive fan of Ariana for years and was meant to go to the Dangerous Woman Tour in London in 2017, which was cancelled after the Manchester bombing.

“A year later, she made a surprise performance at Coachella festival in Palm Springs. When I spotted her backstage with Mac, I told her how courageous I thought she had been. She was sweet and composed. It really felt like she had time for her fans and wanted to speak to me.”

It would be understandable if Ariana never wanted to sing again, but her return to pop has been important to her.

She told The New York Times: “There was something broken about my relationship to pop music that was healed recently through the time away.”

Now, she’s entering a new chapter – one she will certainly be hoping is less turbulent.

With the release of new album Petal, fans are enjoying her return to the pop princess we know and love – and with this latest tour, she’s giving everything to reconnect with them in person.

Music aside, Ariana is also taking on other exciting projects. She signed up for a comedy role in the latest Meet The Parents sequel Focker-In-Law, starring Robert De Niro (who sang her praises) and Ben Stiller, which is due for release in November.

And it looks like she’s already moving on from her break-up, after she was seen getting cosy with her ex-boyfriend, dancer Ricky Álvarez.

The pair, who dated for a year from 2015, were spotted having dinner in Texas together in June this year, and spent the Fourth of July together in Florida.

He also attended her New York concert date, and the insider says: “They are enjoying downtime together between shows.”

Ariana appeared to confirm the rekindling last month, while performing Thank U, Next in Brooklyn, after changing the lyrics to: “Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back,” and at another gig in Austin she sang: “He has still got her back”.

An insider says: “This is something of a ‘comfort rebound’ for Ariana, who is feeling vulnerable post her split from Ethan. Ricky definitely makes her feel safe. And more than anything, Ariana wants to be happy again. Settling down is what she has always been keen to do.”

There was, of course, set to be another string added to her bow, with her West End stage debut in London. Ariana and her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey were announced as the leads of Sunday In The Park With George, a musical by Pulitzer-Prize-winning Stephen Sondheim.

This was one of the most hotly anticipated theatre events of 2027 – but earlier this month Ariana pulled out, with the role now set to be recast.

In a statement, her team said: “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.”

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.

“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her.

“She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

From the little girl in Florida who was musical-theatre-obsessed to the 33-year-old woman who has weathered storms with grace while working her behind off, Ariana has proven that she is a rare thing: a star who cares what people think of her.

THE biggest Legoland in the world has just celebrated its first birthday – and its MUCH bigger than the one in the UK.

The park in Shanghai is a whopping 318,000 square metres and it’s home to largest Lego figurine in the world.

Legoland Shanghai Resort is the only one in the country and in its first year of opening, saw two million visitors through its doors.

Aimed at families with children between 2-12 years old, the park has immersive experiences, eight themed zones and a Lego-themed hotel.

Legoland Shanghai makes an impression before visitors even enter the park thanks to its enormous Lego figure called Dada.

The figure is 26 metres tall and holds the record for the largest ever built.

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

HOL YES

Cheapest summer for holidays in YEARS – with August breaks still on sale for £188pp

It sets the tone for the theme park which has 75 attractions overall.

They are set in amongst the eight lands: Brick Street, Bricktopia, Legoland Creative World, Lego City, Lego Ninjago, Lego Friends, Lego Castle, and Lego Monkie Kid.

Rides vary but the biggest and longest rollercoaster at Legoland Shanghai is the Big Lego Coaster.

The ride actually passes through the hands of the Dada figurine and has a top speed of 52.8mph.

One unique experience the world-first water-town boat tour, which takes them on a cruise through a Chinese water town built entirely from Lego bricks.

Another first for the brand at this resort is Legoland Creative World – which allows visitors to see the largest Lego Minifigure in history.

There are also a number of live shows at Brick Street and Bricktopia.

Another attraction is a jet-ski based Water Race Challenge, there’s also boat building competitions and a ‘Beach Party’.

In the Lego Castle land, guests are transported into a magical land with wizards and dragons.

Fans of the UK’s Legoland in Windsor will be familiar with the driving school where kids can complete a circuit in their very own car and get their driving licence.

If any visitors need help, they can communicate with the world’s first AI Brick Girl Minifigure that helps visitors explore the Creative World.

And amongst all the rides and models, guests can also interact with robotic minifigures.

Guests can talk to them and according to Blooloop, they ‘respond to you in real time’.

That’s not the only part that has it’s very own AI robot – there are more at the 250-room hotel.

Called Little O, the fully interactive astronaut-themed robot talks to guests, welcomes them at check-in, shares facts and performs dances.

Inside the hotel are themed rooms like Monkie Kid and Ninjago with character meet-ups and even pyjama dance parties.

When it’s time to eat, the park has six restaurants, for example, Bricks Restaurant offers Lego-themed dining from Brick House Burgers with buns in the shape of Lego bricks, Brick fries and Apple Fries with ice cream.

Of course, there are souvenirs are everywhere, visitors can build their own Minifigures, engrave their own bricks and buy Lego sets.

As for tickets, Legoland Shanghai offers day passes from ¥300 (£33.33) and has offers like half-price one-day child ticket from ¥175 (£19.44).

A SINGER once branded as the ‘new Justin Bieber’ looked unrecognisable while recreating a hit dance – 13 years on.

The now 30-year-old star, who hails from Texas, rose to fame during the 2010s.

Austin Mahone was touted as the next Justin Bieber, with both having been discovered on YouTube.

In 2013, he entered the prestigious Billboard Top 100 with his single What About Love.

And now 13 years on, Austin recreated the song’s signature dance in a new video.

The dance saw Austin show off impressive footwork, while rolling back his shoulders.

YOU’RE SO LAME

Reason pop music has become more miserable over the past 50yrs revealed

NOT HAPPY

Brit pop star reveals plans to quit music saying she’s ‘miserable’

One person commented: “This is who they tried to pit against Justin Bieber.”

Another added: “This song went triple platinum in my house.”

While a third shared: “He still has the red microphone after all these years.”

In a 2013 interview with extratv, Austin addressed being compared to Justin Bieber.

He said: “It’s very flattering, he’s, you know, very successful and I hope to be as successful as him someday.

“I’d just love people to give me a chance and see me as my own artist, as Austin. That’s all I ask.”

His early successes include singles Say Somethin’ and Say You’re Just A Friend, the latter featuring Flo Rida.

In recent years, Austin has continued to release music across different genres.

However, he has yet to reach the heights of Canadian superstar Justin, now aged 32.

He signed with Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Inc in 2015 and released single Dirty Work earlier in that year.

With the song having entered Japan‘s Billboard Top 100, his debut studio album was released exclusively in the country.

His second album, A Lone Star Story – released in 2023 – marked a foray into country music.

In Austin’s personal life, his previous romances include fellow singers Camila Cabello and Becky G.

THE UK was set to have a record-breaking waterpark that would be open all year round – only for plans to be scrapped.

Elysium Water Park was originally planned to be built in Bournemouth and was due to open in 2023.

The proposed waterpark would have been the biggest in the UK and would have ‘put Dorset on the map’.

It would have been both an tropical indoor and outdoor waterpark drawing in plenty of visitors from all over the country.

Inside were plans for swimming pools, waterslides, transparent flumes and rapids.

There were plans to build a lagoon surf park too – developed through Adventure Out There 365.

COAST EFFECTIVE

Best UK family theme & waterparks with cheap stays from just £3pp a night

DIVE IN

Mega waterpark hotels with EVERYTHING you ever wanted & all inclusive from £189pp

The lagoon itself would have cost £35million, made from a machine capable of producing more than 2,400 ocean-like waves per hour.

It also promised a “top quality wellness and beauty spa that offers a multitude of facilities including a sauna, hammam spas, massage and beauty treatments, exercise and dance options.”

“Elysium will offer so much more than just the core waterpark experience, and will also incorporate another significant trend, the water-based spa aimed at 18+ age group.”

It could have become a destination for weekend breaks too as proposals revealed plans for a 145-bedroom hotel and glamping site.

If it opened, the attraction would have provided 500 jobs and been able to welcome over one million visitors each year.

Building work was expected to start in 2019 but faced hurdles like delays during Covid as well as funding.

Another issue that led to the downfall of the attraction was to do with the area that the park was set to be built on.

The land was considered a green belt area – essentially open land to stop cities from extending too far.

It was also near a site of special interest, and didn’t have planning consent either.

The £75million project officially came to a halt when Elysium Water Park UK LTD was dissolved two years ago, according to Companies House.

Here are all the new water attractions set to open across the UK…

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Back in 2024, the theme park submitted plans to build an African-themed waterpark with six waterslides, two lazy rivers and rapids.

If given the go-ahead, it will have a kids wave pool, splash pad, spa pool, a safari beach, cafe and outdoor restaurants.

Therme Manchester

When Therme Manchester opens, it will be the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe“.

It will be every waterpark’s fan dream with spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones – Play, Relax and Restore.

Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge wants to open a 50,000m² complex with a hotel, another an adventure park and the last, an indoor waterpark.

It will be lots of family-friendly pools, slides, rides and splash pads.

Seahive

While not a waterpark per se, Seahive is set to be a huge new water attraction near Deal in Kent.

If it gets the go-ahead, Seahive would be the world’s first surfing wellness resort with a dedicated surf lagoon for every skill level with waves ranging in size from 50cm to 2m.

The Cove Resort
Similar to Seahive, in Southport there will soon be Cove Resort which is a £75million new attraction with incredible views across the Irish Sea.

Visitors will be able to experience leisure activities like an outdoor lagoon with opportunities for surfing.

PLANS for a brand-new luxury hotel resort located in the European countryside have been unveiled.

The spot is known for its award-winning golf course and has now partnered with a renowned luxury hotel brand for the project.

Nobu Hotels has announced plans for its latest luxury destination which will welcome visitors to Portugal’s Eastern Algarve.

The site will be Portugal’s second Nobu location, with the lifestyle hotel chain previously announcing plans for an expansion in Lisbon on Avenida da Liberdade.

Construction for the Algarve holiday spot is set to begin in 2027, with plans to accommodate guests in 2029.

The hotel will reside within more than 1,000 acres of countryside at the iconic Monte Rei site, known for its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course.

ROOM FOR MORE

I slept in London’s cheapest underground hotel with £39 windowless rooms

HOT PROPERTY

The ‘best-kept secret’ beach in the UK that’s getting popular

Plans for the new Nobu Hotel include 100 guestrooms and suites, alongside a signature Nobu restaurant and dedicated wellness and lifestyle amenities.

As part of the development, over 226,000 sq ft of land will become villas and branded residences, meaning guests and owners can enjoy Nobu services while living on the Monte Rei site.

According to Nobu Hospitality, in the past two decades, Monte Rei has garnered international reputations owing to “its award-winning golf, high standards of service, residential community and enviable location in one of Portugal’s most characterful resort regions”.

The resort hopes to combine the luxury and hospitality of Nobu with the exceptional privacy offered by the Monte Rei setting.

CEO of Nobu Hospitality, Trevor Horwell, said: “Monte Rei offers a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy and an established reputation for exceptional golf and residential living.

“Together with Norfin, we have the opportunity to create a distinctive Nobu destination that feels deeply connected to the Eastern Algarve while delivering the hospitality, dining, design and service for which the brand is known around the world.”

The project is set to bring together an international design team, including DSA Architects and the Rockwell Group, to develop the architecture and vision of the luxury resort.

CEO of Norfin, Miguel Mateus, has called the new plans an “important milestone” for Monte Rei.

“The resort has long been recognised for the quality of its golf, service and residential environment.

“We are now building on that legacy with a broader ambition for the destination – one that brings together world-class hospitality, exceptional residential living and carefully designed leisure experiences.

IF you’ve ever wanted to live like a celebrity, your chance has finally arrived. 

A growing number of famous faces – from Hollywood A-listers to royalty – have opened up their lavish homes and cozy cottages to the public. 

Whether you fancy relaxing poolside in a pop star’s hideaway, or spending the night on a royal estate, these exclusive stays let you step right into their world. 

Here, we share some of the top celebrity-owned properties you can actually book this summer…

1. Alan Carr – Ayton Castle Estate Glamping (Scottish Borders)

Fresh off his victory on Celebrity Traitors, comedian Alan Carr snapped up the historic £3.3million Ayton Castle in Berwickshire, Scotland, earlier this year to convert into a luxury retreat. 

This summer, guests can stay in fully furnished luxury bell tents right on the 17-bedroom 160-acre castle grounds, just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.

SUMMER SAVES

All of the cheap seaside hotels you can book for under £50 each this summer

BEST VALUE BREAKS

Best value UK hotels this summer with FREE breakfast and seaside spas

At a cost of between £140 and £160 a night, the luxury tents sleep up to four people, and are “fully furnished with comfy beds, warm bedding and pillows.”

Visitors have been promised ‘serene walks’ through the estate’s vast woodland and wellness offerings on site including sauna and cold water sessions.

2. George Michael – The Pool House at Mill Cottage (Goring-on-Thames)

Pop legend George Michael bought Mill Cottage in South Oxfordshire in 2001, where he spent 15 peaceful years living by the River Thames until his passing in 2016. 

The current owners transformed the superstar’s private pool house on the estate grounds into an exclusive one-bedroom guest hideaway, which costs around £720 a night over summer.

Sitting right on the riverbank, the retreat features exclusive access to a heated outdoor swimming pool, sun loungers, an outdoor BBQ, and a cozy fireplace. 

It has become a dream stay for music fans looking to sip a drink poolside and experience the peaceful surroundings George loved so dearly.

• How to book: Listed on Airbnb.

3. Kelvin Fletcher – Stag Cottage (Peak District)

Former Emmerdale star and Strictly Come Dancing winner Kelvin Fletcher traded showbiz for rural living on his 120-acre family farm. 

Featured on ITV‘s Fletchers’ Family Farm, the actor converted a stone building on the edge of the property into a luxury three-bedroom holiday home. 

The interior combines a cozy country aesthetic with modern comforts, including a traditional AGA stove, flagstone floors, and a wood-burning fireplace. 

Outside, guests can soak in their private outdoor hot tub while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding Cheshire countryside and Peak District.

4. Jules Hudson – Mole Hill Hut (Herefordshire)

As the longtime presenter of BBC’s Escape to the Country, Jules Hudson used his rural expertise to handcraft his very own bespoke shepherd’s hut. 

Tucked away in a private meadow on his own land near the scenic Wye Valley, the hut offers a secluded, off-grid retreat designed strictly for two. 

It features a cozy double bed, a functional kitchenette, and an adjoining timber lounge area affectionately dubbed “The Trough.” 

Guests can spend their evenings around the outdoor wood-burning stove enjoying panoramic views of Herefordshire’s rolling hills.

5. King Charles III – Balmoral cottages (Scottish highlands)

Fancy a stay fit for royalty? It may be easier than you think.

Tucked away on the Balmoral estate – which was the late Queen’s favourite residence – are some secret cottages that you can rent out.

If you want to earn ultimate bragging rights among your pals, these self-catered lodges could be the perfect opportunity.

And you’ve got a few to choose from, as the Balmoral estate has 10 cottages available: Connachat Cottage, Garbh Allt Shiel, Karim Cottage, Knocks Cottage, the three Milton of Braichlie properties (Farmhouse, Mill Cottage, and Stable Cottage), Rhebreck Lodge, Sterinbeg, and Tigh Na Garaidh. 

Unfortunately, if you dream of bumping into the likes of King Charles or Prince William and Kate Middleton, you may not be in luck, as you can’t book when the royal family is in residence.

6. Adam Henson – Cotswold Farm Park Lodges (Cotswolds)

Countryfile presenter and rare-breed conservationist Adam Henson grew up on the 650-acre working farm in the heart of the Cotswolds. 

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to his Cotswold Farm Park, a rare breeds centre and country play park in a picturesque corner of his land. 

To give visitors a true taste of country life, he also built a collection of wooden lodges, safari tents, and glamping pods on the grounds.

Each custom-built timber lodge comes with modern amenities, an outdoor deck with a private hot tub, and a fire pit for evening stargazing. 

Stays include complimentary admission to the farm park, where guests can meet rare livestock breeds and participate in daily farm activities.

7. Sting & Trudie Styler – Villa Il Palagio (Tuscany, Italy)

Music icon Sting and his film producer wife Trudie Styler bought this sprawling 16th-century Tuscan estate south of Florence back in 1997. 

When the couple isn’t residing there, they open up the grand nine-bedroom main villa and surrounding historic guest cottages to private rentals. 

The 860-acre organic estate boasts manicured Italian gardens, private swimming pools, a tennis court, and its own wine cellars. 

Guests can sample olive oil, honey, and biodynamic wines produced directly on the estate while taking in views of the Chianti hills.

8. Leonardo DiCaprio – 432 Hermosa Estate (Palm Springs)

If you want to get the full Hollywood experience, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has provided a way.

The star purchased an iconic mid-century modern architectural masterpiece in Palm Springs back in 2014. 

Designed in 1964 by renowned architect Donald Wexler for entertainer Dinah Shore, the six-bedroom estate drips with vintage Hollywood glamour. 

The compound features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sleek stone fireplaces, a cocktail bar, a heated pool, and a private lighted tennis court. 

Located in the prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, it offers full luxury estate staffing and concierge services for short-term stays.

• How to Book: Book through the official estate manager at 432 Hermosa.

9. Kirstie Allsopp – Meadowgate (North Devon)

Property guru and Location, Location, Location host Kirstie Allsopp brought her passion for interior design to life by restoring a grand coastal home. 

Situated in the peaceful village of Welcombe in North Devon, the six-bedroom period cottage accommodates up to 14 guests.

The renovation process was even filmed as part of her Kirstie’s Homemade Home series.

The TV star personally decorated the interior with bold wallpapers, handcrafted details throughout every room, and upcycled vintage furniture. 

A short walk through country lanes near the home brings guests directly to the secluded Atlantic beach at Welcombe Mouth.

10. Wayne Rooney – Royal Westmooreland estate (Barbados)

If you have lots of cash to spare, you can holiday like Coleen and Wayne Rooney who have a mansion in Barbados. 

The £5million villa – located in the gorgeous Royal Westmoreland luxury estate in the Caribbean island – costs up to £25,000 a week to rent.

For that, you can expect a week of luxury at the five-bedroom pad that sleeps up to 14, which includes an infinity pool.

Sitting by idyllic palm trees, Wayne and Coleen’s white mansion opens up with a covered gated entrance.

Inside, the colour scheme is white and summery, with doors opening to the outside and fans situated above the beds to keep things cool.

THERE’S a leisure centre in the UK that has so many attractions, it feels more like a waterpark – and its just had a multi-million upgrade.

The Leisure Pool at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex has reopened after a major £10million refurb.

Over the past few months, upgrades and maintenance works have been carried out at the pool.

And there are a number of new features too including a splash pad for little ones, with different interactive features.

The Super Slide and The Surf – multi-lane slides – have both had a makeover as well.

The pool also operates a wave machine, with one visitor commenting that it “actually feels like you are in the sea”.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

Many visitors have also noted how the pool feels more like a waterpark, with “amazing” slides.

Another feature introduced this year is an inflatable obstacle course.

The course features balance sections as well as slides, and you can race people on it too.

Each session on the course lasts an hour and costs £9.45 per person.

Tickets to the Leisure Pool then cost £13.13 per adult and £10.50 per child.

Alternatively, you could get a family of four ticket for £40.

The project forms part of a wider £10million project to upgrade the entire leisure complex.

Other new features include interactive mini golf, which is already open, and replacing the soft play area, with a more modern soft play and cafe bar experience.

WITH the summer holidays in full swing, many Brits are swapping their passports for a classic road trip.

Rising travel costs and endless airport queues have seen more and more Brits opt for a staycation this year.

The UK’s best road trip routes have officially been ranked, as a record number of Brits ditch trips abroad for the UK’s best scenery.

From beautiful coastlines, to tranquil national parks, these 10 scenic routes showcase the highlights of the British countryside.

Lake District Scenic Loop, England

The Lake District’s Scenic Loop, catching the very best of the region’s mountaineous terrain and glacial lakes, ranks as Britain’s favourite road trip.

Driving routes such as the Keswick-Borrowdale-Buttermere loop, or the larger Ambleside-Keswick-Ullswater circuit, are road trip favourites, letting you enjoy the very best of the landscape.

DIG IN

Premier Inn launches new Kids Eat Free deal which includes ALL meals

SAVE IT

Seaside holiday parks that still have VERY cheap summer deals, from £4.34pp a night

North Coast 500, Scotland

Scotland’s famous 516-mile-long North Coast 500 ranks second, praised for its dramatic scenery.

Boasting historic castles and stunning beaches, this sprawling route offers a phenomenal snapshot of the Northern Highlands.

Atlantic Highway, South West England

The Atlantic Highway, the scenic 70-mile stretch from Barnstaple in North Devon, to Newquay in Cornwall, takes third place.

Travellers taking this coastal route can take in the beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs, and enjoy delicious seafood on the way.

Snowdonia’s Coast Way, Wales

Spanning roughly 49 to 80 miles along the region’s western coastal mountains, Snowdonia’s Coast Way boasts views of sandy beaches and historic mountains.

With frequent sightings of dolphins, porpoises and seals, along with seaside towns to enjoy, this scenic route places fourth.

Yorkshire Dales Scenic Drive, England

A drive through the Yorkshire Dales takes you through an area renowned for its pretty villages and windswept moors.

Placing fifth, the route’s combination of greenery and the inviting valleys of Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Wharfedale, keep Brits coming back year after year.

Jurassic Coast Trip, South Coast of England

Achieving sixth place, the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast route takes holidaymakers straight through England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This road trip shows off England’s best geological features, stretching between Old Harry Rocks in Dorset and Exmouth in East Devon.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route shows off Northern Ireland’s rocky terrain between the cities of Belfast and Derry.

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, and full of opportunities to explore castles, beaches and historic towns, Ireland’s coastal journey ranks seventh.

Dartmoor Explorer Route, Devon

The open moorland and historic villages of Devon’s Dartmoor National Park is a great way to enjoy the south of England’s gorgeous scenery.

Placed at eighth, a drive through the ancient woodlands takes you to the heart of Devon.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Drive, Wales

Spanning as far as 180 miles, a road trip through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park places ninth.

This route guides you through the best west Wales scenery from rugged sea cliffs, medieval castles, and harbour towns.

Hadrian’s Wall Route, Northumberland

The 73 mile coast-to-coast route, stretching from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Cumbria, is a beautiful way to enjoy this artefact of the Roman Empire.

Ranking tenth on the list, this road trip offers stunning viewpoint hikes and historic market towns.

TUCKED away in the mountains of Malaga is a tiny village that was abandoned for five decades.

El Acebuchal was only rediscovered in the late 90s and brought back to life.

The little white-washed village was once used by travelling merchants for hundreds of years as a place to meet and transport goods between the Costa del Sol and Granada.

The village was small and home to around 200 people.

But in 1949, the village was officially closed by the Spanish leader at the time, Francisco Franco.

He believed that those who lived there opposed his regime, so he sent officials in to disperse the village residents.

ISLE GO

Why Maldives holidays are cheaper than EVER – with crazy bargains from £1,437pp

BAG A BREAK

UK hotel deals with FREE breakfast, golf breaks, spa stays and 80’s discos

It remained a ghost town until 1998 when Antonio Sanchez or ‘El Zumbo’, who once had ancestors in the village, moved there.

He and his family began to rebuild houses where everything was restored by hand.

The village didn’t even have running water or electricity until 2003.

Now, the village has around 30 homes, a chapel and restaurant called Bar El Acebuchal which is actually run by Antonio Sanchez himself.

It’s slightly off the beaten track according to diners, but well-worth it for the food.

Lots of the homes are holiday rentals – there’s also a B&B in the village called ‘The Lost Village el Acebuchal’ which is highly-rated on Tripadvisor.

It has just three rooms along with a roof terrace, seasonal outdoor pool and there are even spa services.

One visitor described it as “a 1950s movie scene” and another described it as a “hideaway”.

The village isn’t overly modern with limited phone signal.

A popular hiking route is between Acebuchal and Frigiliana which stretches on for about eight miles.

Frigiliana is another place to add to the list, as it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

It has white-washed buildings, bright blue accents, terracotta tiled rooftops and mosaic streets.

The steep paths are lined with colourful plant pots full of greenery with blooming flowers like the classic Mediterranean pink bougainvillea.

The town was built on top of a hill so it has incredible views of the Costa del Sol and Mediterranean Sea.

SEVERAL UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule, just as the summer holiday rush gets underway.

The policy change comes in as airports prepare for their busiest time of the year.

Until this year, liquids in hand luggage were restricted to 100ml, with all bottles required to be removed to go through security.

However, seven UK airports are removing the 100ml liquid hand luggage rule in a major change to security measures.

Due to technology developments, a number of airports will accept containers of up to two litres in hand luggage.

This includes Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, and Belfast City.

PLANE RUDE

What YOUR aeroplane habits say about you…armrest hogs, barefoot brutes & callers

HOL-D OFF

Two countries where holidays are now BANNED – months after warning was lifted

Heathrow Airport has confirmed that containers of up to two litres can be taken in hand luggage in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, but metal or insulated bottles must be emptied first.

Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Bristol similarly require metal, or double-walled containers, to be completely emptied before security checks.

Birmingham and Belfast City allow liquids, as well as gels and pastes of up to two litres to stay in cabin bags.

17 major airports, however, have reported to retain the 100ml liquid limit throughout the summer period.

Airports not introducing the rule have made some changes, with Manchester, London Luton, London City, and Teeside allowing 100ml liquids to remain inside hand luggage, and not be put in plastic bags.

Passengers, however, have been urged to check the rules at overseas airports, as many may not operate on the same regulations as the UK.

Items that are commonly treated as liquids include drinks, creams and lotions, mascara, lipgloss, toothpaste, hair gel, shaving foam, and liquid-filled toys.

Before travelling, it is important to check the exact rules of your departure airport before packing any restricted items.