A source close to Harry blasted the report and said the prince was ‘devastated the chair had been allowed to succeed with a hostile takeover’Credit: PA
The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale, set up by Harry and Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso in 2006 for young people and kids living with HIV and Aids.
It launched a probe when they stood down as patrons in support of trustees who quit in a dispute with Dr Sophie Chandauka over a fundraising strategy.
Board of trustees chair Dr Chandauka said the “toxicity” of Harry’s brand since his move to live in the US had seen a drop in donors.
Last night, she said the “adverse media campaign” launched by those who resigned “caused incalculable damage” to the charity.
The Times reported a source close to Harry blasted the report and said the prince was “devastated the chair had been allowed to succeed with a hostile takeover”.
His spokesman said those who rely on Sentebale would bear the “consequences of her actions”.
The Charity Commission said the public airing of the row harmed Sentebale’s reputation and risked overshadowing its achievements.
The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity but acknowledged “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some involved.
David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: “Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day.
Harry QUITTING his own charity is utterly humiliating – misogyny row will hurt him deeply
“However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength.
“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve.”
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Dr Sophie Chandauka, with Harry, blames Prince Harry’s ‘toxic’ brand for donor drop and accuses him of involvement in a ‘cover-up’ of a probe into bullying and harassmentCredit: PA
The Repair Shop fans have called for the show to be axed – following Jay Blades’ rape arrestCredit: BBC
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The 55-year-old has been charged with two counts of rapeCredit: BBC
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He was the show’s “foreman” from 2017 until 2014Credit: BBC
On Tuesday (August 5), the show returned to its usual 8pm slot, although Blades was not featured.
Writing online, fans have called for The Repair Shop to be axed after nearly a decade on air.
One penned: “Could never see the point of him being in the Repair Shop he never restored anything but worn a new leather apron the show is better without him now.”
Another added: “Surely you must take the Repair shop off now if the presenter is accused of physical rape.”
A third queried: “Will theBBCbe pulling repeats of The Repair Shop now?”
Police confirmed the allegations against the dad of three from Shropshire.
He fronted the hit BBC show for seven years before stepping back last year.
King Charles appeared alongside him on a special episode in 2022.
West Mercia Police confirmed charges against the dad of three, with a magistrates’ court date set for next Wednesday.
A spokesperson said: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.
Axed TV host Jay Blades was weeks away from starring on new reality series before domestic violence arrest
“He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025.”
The TV star is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he has denied.
He was arrested in May 2024 – on the same day fitness instructor Lisa announced her decision to end their 18-month marriage.
In September, Blades was charged.
His actions allegedly caused Lisa “to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her”.
The presenter pleaded not guilty to the charge — which relates to the period between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024 — at a court hearing last October.
However, in the family photo from their holiday fans were quick to point out that Harry wasn’t on the trip.
Stacey posted slew of sweet snaps of her and Joe with their other five kids and wrote: “Time to make some memories my whole world 🥹 can’t wait for some special time with my babies.
“Got one picture of us all the second one is every photo ever happy summer everyone from pickle cottage to our second home at this point.”
But while most followers pointed out what a lovely photos they were, some took to the comments to cruelly mum-shame Stacey over this.
One fan wrote: “Lovely family pic. Wish Joe eldest son was included more.”
Stacey Solomon clashes with husband Joe Swash as they reveal relationship struggles in therapy
While another added: “Why is Joe’s eldest son never with them.”
This person said: “I agree would be nice for them to acknowledge they’re missing one!”
It comes after “tension” between the popular couple has recently been captured on TV.
Stacey Solomon’s career so far
Stacey Solomon has been a familiar face on viewers’ screens for over a decade. Let’s take a look back at her career.
The X Factor (2009): Stacey competed in series six of long-running ITV singing competition The X Factor. During her time in the show, she was mentored by Danni Minogue in the ‘Girls’ category. The star finished in third place, behind Joe McElderry and Olly Murs.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (2010); In late 2010, Stacey headed to the infamous I’m A Celeb Aussie jungle. After 21 days, she triumphed to win the tenth series. It was through I’m A Celeb that she met future husband Joe Swash – who’d won two years earlier and was hosting the ITV2 spinoff.
Celebrity Juice (2011―2013, 2016―2019): The star appeared as a panellist on 21 episodes of the comedy panel game show hosted by Keith Lemon. Stacey was a regular in the 21st series, broadcast in 2019.
Loose Women (2016 – present): Stacey has been a permanent panel member of the daytime show since 2016. She previously made guest appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Sort Your Life Out (2022 -present): This BBC show sees Stacey, with the help of an expert team, transform participants’ living spaces after removing clutter.
However, according to a source, the couple have vowed to take time out to remember why they’re so good for each other.
During their BBC reality show, the pair shared a close-up look into the ups and downs of life at Pickle Cottage and their relationship.
The source told New Magazine: “There’s tension in the air and there is a bit of bickering. But it puts a strain on any relationship.
“You look at those on reality shows, such as the wives in The Real Housewives, with cameras in their houses 24/7, and a lot of their relationships crack under the pressure.“
Despite this, the source maintained that a break away from the cameras, however small, is just what Stacey and Joe need.
The source added: “They’re worried that if they don’t have a break from the cameras and the limelight, it could affect what makes their relationship special.
“They’re still very much in love and are really trying to focus on each other amid the silly bickering and moments of tension, and remember why they got together in the first place – and why they’re actually so perfect together.
“They have vowed to carve out some quality time this summer to do that.”
Nurmagomedov believes McGregor turning his life around would be a story which could inspire people across the globe.
The former undefeated and long-reigning lightweight champion said: “He has to change how he is living.
Conor McGregor shows off shadow boxing after hinting at UFC return
“Why am I talking about this? If he’s gonna change, he can change with him so many other lives too.
“That’s why I wish him to change himself. If he’s not gonna change, it will be punishment all his life.”
McGregor has only fought three times since losing the biggest fight in UFC history.
The Irishman got back in the win column against Donald Cerrone in January 2020 before suffering back-to-back stoppage losses to Dustin Poirier the following year.
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Conor McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg four years agoCredit: REUTERS
A TEEN boy died “in terror” after his dad crashed on a motorway while high on cocaine.
Daniel Burba, 31, has been advised by doctors not to drive when got behind the wheel of his wife’s van with 14-year-old Ryan Morgan in the passenger seat.
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Ryan Morgan was killed in the horror crashCredit: PA
The dad had been diagnosed with epilepsy just weeks before the horror which was made worse by the use of illegal drugs.
Despite this, Burba was four-times the limit for cocaine and its derivative benzoylecgonine – causing him to suffer an epileptic fit.
Ryan had no choice but to try to gain control of the van before it swerved off the M6 near Lancaster and hit a tree.
The teen was tragically pronounced dead at the scene after suffering head injuries.
Burba, who also only had a provisional licence, was taken to hospital with “relatively minor” injuries.
While being treated, a paramedic discovered a small bag of cocaine in the dad’s wallet.
Burba has now been jailed for ten years after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.
In a victim impact statement, Ryan’s mum said her heart has been broken and told how she has been unable to grieve properly because she fears once she starts, she won’t be able to stop.
She continued: “I feel that no amount of time Daniel will serve will ever be enough for taking Ryan’s life. Not only did he take my boy’s life, he took my boy’s future.
“My boy will never grow and be a father, go to work and follow his dreams or travel. He didn’t even get to finish school. He hasn’t ever had a chance to experience life.
“It’s so unfair because Ryan did have a beautiful heart. He wanted to be a policeman. He would have changed the world. He made it a better place in the short time he was here. He made everyone smile who came into contact with him. He had a smile that lit up the room.
“Daniel has taken all that and more. Daniel has taken a precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and cousin. He had so much to live for.
“The fact that Daniel knew he wasn’t allowed to drive due to his seizures, plus a lack of licence and insurance is just disgusting.”
Preston Crown Court heard the horror unfolded on April 20 as other motorists noticed Burba driving erratically with his hazards on.
He reached speeds of more than 70mph before leaving the carriageway and smashing into a tree.
The court heard the Peugeot Bipper van flipped over due to the force it hit the tree.
Police later discovered Burba had been told in October 2014 by his doctor to stop taking cocaine after he suffered a seizure which lasted up to four minutes.
He was also advised not to drive, with the same warning issued in February when he was admitted to hospital after more fits.
Sentencing, Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, told him: “You knew that cocaine predisposed you to further fits.
“You were not entitled to drive unsupervised and certainly not on the motorway. You should not have behind the wheel at all.”
As well as the jail sentence, Judge Altham disqualified Burba from driving for 14 years and five months.
Sgt Martin Wilcock, Senior Investigating Officer at our Road Policing Unit, said: “No sentence will ever make up for any loss of life, particularly in these tragic circumstances. However, Daniel Burba will have the rest of his life to reflect upon the catastrophic consequences his decision to consume drugs and then get behind the wheel have had. Sadly, his son will not.
“I hope the outcome of this case sends a strong message out to anyone who is considering driving, having been told by a doctor not to. Or anyone who is considering driving, having consumed drugs or alcohol.
“As is so very obvious from this case, you run the risk of taking a life but also ruining many others – including your own.”
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Daniel Burba has been jailed for ten yearsCredit: PA
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He had taken cocaine before getting behind the wheelCredit: PA
The average price of a house in this seaside town is much lower than the national average, making it a property hotspot for Brits looking to live by the coast
16:22, 05 Aug 2025Updated 16:54, 05 Aug 2025
The seaside town is loved by residents(Image: Blackbeck via Getty Images)
Seaside living remains a cherished aspiration for many people who dream of leisurely strolls along the beach after a hard day at work. Yet for many, this remains nothing more than a tantalising fantasy that stays frustratingly beyond their grasp.
Northumberland’s Newbiggin-By-The-Sea certainly seems to be riding a wave of popularity at the moment – and if house hunters leave it much longer they might just be priced out. The most affordable property currently advertised on Rightmove within the North East town is a three-bed end of terrace property on Lynwood Avenue, listed for auction with a guide price of £40,000. Meanwhile, another three-bedroom house on the same street is listed for sale at £69,950. Whether you’re planning a move or just curious about local property prices, our interactive map shows the house prices in each area of the country.
The typical selling price in the town stands at merely £129,063, which represents considerably less than half Britain’s average property cost of £282,000, according to statistics from last year, as per the Express. Lawrence Jones works as a refuse collector for Newcastle City Council and became enchanted with the town four years ago. He lives with his wife Michelle Jones, having moved from Shiremoor.
He said: “We sold our house and the idea was to move to Durham – but Newbiggin was the only place we could get a rental. Twenty years ago I wouldn’t have been impressed as it was a little bit rough.”
Lawrence Jones, 62, is a refuse collector for Newcastle City Council(Image: Mieka Smiles)
However, Lawrence now treasures his new residence so deeply that within three months of arriving, he purchased a property which he claims has rocketed in value. He added: “You walk along the promenade and everybody speaks to you. It is so friendly.”
Ian and Sally Boot are from Nottingham and were in Newbiggin for the day, visiting their son who lives in nearby Blyth. Both agree if their daughter was to also move to the area they’d take the plunge in a flash. Retired engineer Ian said: “I think it’s nice – there’s free parking, a new cafe and it’s nice up the coast in Amble and Bamburgh. Retired civil servant Sally said: “It’s quiet and that’s why we have come today. We thought we would have a quiet day and it’s nice and peaceful.
Ian and Sally Boot, both 72, are from Nottingham and were visiting Newbiggin for the day(Image: Mieka Smiles)
Marion Longstaff, has run business Pretty Things By The Sea since 2018 after relocating from Windermere in the Lakes. She said: “It is still cheaper than the prices in Amble – it’s a hidden gem. Southerners are definitely taking an interest. After lockdown they were coming up for a break – one couple [I met] came up for a long weekend and fell in love. They sold up their property but haven’t found a property they want here yet as they were gazumped.”
Marion says she will never leave the little seaside enclave and says the coastline is “just my medicine. ” Fellow local business owner Annie, a former mechanical engineer, originally from Manchester, has lived in the town for 35 years. She said: “I just like village life and everybody knows everybody. Everybody is very, very friendly. People come on holiday and then they love it here.”
Marion Longstaff runs business Pretty Things By The Sea(Image: Mieka Smiles)
Andy Brown runs Jackson’s Jewellers and More on the main shopping stretch which is packed with independent shops. He said: “I think the village itself has evolved and people should take note. There is a large variety of shops, all independent, as the rents and rates are all reasonable. The place is also kept as clean as a whistle and the people are beautiful.”
Andy said a few decades ago the area was perceived as “rough” but it “always had massive potential” that is finally being realised. Dawn Duddridge, a sales negotiator at local estate agent Rickard, says the market in Newbiggin is booming.
Andy Brown, 51, runs Jackson’s Jewellers and More on the main shopping stretch(Image: Mieka Smiles)
She said: “Properties there don’t hang around much, especially on the seafront. “”Often people who have been here on holiday come up from the south and buy a house outright – and have still got a decent amount in the bank.”
Mirror reader Alycia Royle-Evatt believes that Ryanair duped her into paying for a bag that was, in fact, the correct dimensions ahead of a flight from Leeds Bradford to Palma Majorca
Ryanair are strict on the sizes of hand luggage(Image: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto)
A debate is raging over the real dimensions of Ryanair bag sizers, with some passengers claiming things are not quite as they seem.
There are few ways worse to begin a holiday than by getting stung by an extra baggage charge. Budget airline Ryanair has seemingly mastered the art of catching out passengers with oversized hand luggage, slapping customers with fees of up to £75—sometimes for being just a little bit over the maximum allowed size.
Mirror reader Alycia Royle-Evatt believes that Ryanair duped her into paying for a bag that was, in fact, the correct dimensions. During a trip from Leeds Bradford Airport to Palma Majorca, Alycia and her daughter were charged £75 for each of two bags that “bowed out slightly in the middle by millimetres.”
Have you been stung by Ryanair? Tell us your story by emailing [email protected]
“I measured my luggage before travelling to make sure it fit the dimensions advertised on their website and they were an exact match,” Alycia said.
This led the mum to start questioning whether the “cages are slightly smaller dimensions, especially the depth”. During her break, the spurned holidaymakers bought a measuring tape for her return trip. At the airport, Alycia measured the depth of the bag sizer. “It was 18cm, not the 20 as advertised,” she claimed.
“It was extremely distressing and I have since found out that the staff work on a commission for every bag they manage to fine.”
Rumours that Ryanair bag sizers are not the dimensions advertised have long swirled online, with forums packed full of people claiming to have been stung for bags that they believe to be compliant.
However, there is no good evidence that this is the case. In fact, multiple videos posted on TikTok and YouTube show sceptical passengers scrutinising the Ryanair baggage cages and discovering that they are exactly quite a bit bigger than the maximum bag dimensions.
Sarah Giblin tried just that and found that the sizer was between 1cm and 2cm bigger than the different dimensions of the maximum bag allowance. “That means that Ryanair is a little bit nicer than they have been letting on,” Sarah said in a TikTok video. “But it does also mean if your bag doesn’t fit, then it really doesn’t fit.”
In July, Ryanair announced that it is planning to increase its “personal bag” size by 20% as the EU brings in a new standard. That means that passengers will be allowed to take an item such as a handbag or laptop bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in the cabin without paying an extra fee.
The bag should weigh less than 10kg and fit “under the seat in front of you.” The new size represents a 20% increase in volume from the current maximum dimensions and means that Ryanair accepts free bags one-third bigger than the new EU minimum size limit.
The new bag size limits were due to come into effect “in the coming weeks” following the announcement, which came at the beginning of July. If you’re travelling with Ryanair this month, make sure to check with the airline to find out if the new measurements are in force on your flight.
There are a number of hazards that can pose a risk to your devices on holiday, and travellers are being urged to be aware of them before they head away this summer
Amy Jones Lifestyle & Features Writer and Liv Clarke
15:38, 05 Aug 2025
Holidaymakers have been warned about using their mobile phones abroad (Image: Getty Images)
When jetting off abroad, mobile phones enable us to stay connected with family and friends, navigate unfamiliar locations and capture every precious holiday memory. However, taking your phone on holiday exposes certain risks.
There are the standard threats you encounter daily, such as damage from accidental tumbles and bumps, or the possibility of theft. Additionally, there are extra perils you encounter when holidaying at coastal resorts or scorching destinations.
There are three dangers holidaymakers must be aware of when it comes to using their phone abroad (Image: Getty Images)
Even minuscule sand particles can inflict considerable harm to your gadget, increasing the likelihood of malfunction or potentially making it trickier to trade in later.
Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, warned: “Our phones are a lifeline while we’re abroad. We use them for navigation, keeping in touch with people and for spending money.
“Unfortunately, most phones aren’t as durable as we think they are when exposed to sun, sea and sand. Knowing what not to do if your phone gets damaged can be the difference between saving it or losing it for good.”
The three dangers holidaymakers must steer clear of are: saltwater corrosion, sand infiltrating the charging port and heat-related overheating, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Holiday-goers are advised to ensure they take the following precautions:
If you’re taking your phone in the sea or pool making sure you use waterproof pouches – or avoid taking it out when next to the water altogether because not only would you need a new phone, but your old one would be worth nothing – as any water damage at all completely devalues your device when it comes to selling it on to a mobile phone recycler. If your phone does go for a dip, it’s best to turn it off immediately to stop the water damaging the phone any further, and have it be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
Never poke sand out of your charging port with anything metallic. The experts advise opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush to try and dislodge the sand granules, using Blu-tack, or trying another type of soft putty. If it won’t budge, don’t force it and avoid blowing hot air into the port too as this can induce moisture.
If you cannot keep your phone in the shade (for example, if you’re sunbathing) turn it onto flight mode or battery saver to help it stay cooler and put it in your bag – and if it does overheat, always remove the case to help it cool down faster.
It’s often named as one of the best places to live in the UK but this postcard-worthy village – used by Tim Burton for the Jonny Depp horror film Sleepy Hollow – has a chilling secret befitting of one of the movies it’s been used in
Lily Morl, Will Twigger and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor
13:15, 05 Aug 2025
The rusitc village of Hambleden has been featured in countless films and TV(Image: pelvidge via Getty Images)
It is a charming, quintessential English village that often gets the nod by experts as being one of the prettiest and best places to live in the country.
Hambleden, nestled in a valley in Buckinghamshire, has attracted film crews time and time again thanks to its stunning scenery and Olde English allure. The Telegraph has ranked it among England’s 30 most beautiful villages, most recently as 2022.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery awaits, a proud recipient of the Travellers‘ Choice Award. Embark on an enchanting tour through the vineyards and seize the opportunity to sample a burgeoning array of wines.
Over at nearby Cliveden House, step into a world once inhabited by the elite and influential. Famed for its high-profile guests and notorious for centuries of salacious rumours and lavish celebrations, Cliveden has been a fixture since 1666.
Hambleden lies on the River Thames(Image: kodachrome25 via Getty Images)
What would a quaint country village be without its chic dining establishments frequented by celebrities? Nestled at the core of Hambleden lies The Stag and Huntsman, not your average gastropub but one that prides itself on “killer wallpaper” and also operates as a charming boutique hotel.
Hambleden, understandably, has been home to some big names. Deep Purple co-founder Jon Lord lived and died here, while 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery also spent some time as an inhabitant.
All that considered, it’s no wonder that sometimes visiting feels like stepping into a Midsomer Murders episode. The idyllic village has been used in a number of big productions for both television and cinema.
The village is full of Olde English charm(Image: BackyardProduction via Getty Images)
It has featured as the backdrop for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Into the Woods and Nanny McPhee Returns, and in TV series like Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and Amazon’s mini-series Good Omens with David Tennant. Most recently, Greys Anatomy stars Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams were seen in the village during the shooting of Disney’s Enchanted sequel, Disenchanted, which was released in 2022.
Among the big-name directors who picked it out as a potential filming location, Tim Burton is arguably the biggest. He chose Hambleden as the place to shoot Johnny Depp horror film Sleepy Hollow.
But this tiny village has a dark, dark secret that fits the tone of Burton’s creepy classic. Back in 1912, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of 97 newborn infants at the historical Yewden Villa.
Hambleden has been used as a filming location in a number of big productions(Image: BackyardProduction via Getty Images)
The bones were rediscovered stored in cigarette tins within a storage room at Chiltern Archaeology in 2008, triggering debate over the cause of their deaths. In 2010, a researcher proposed that the ancient Roman villa might have operated as a brothel where residents and workers committed infanticide across a 50-year span.
Alternative theories suggest it housed a cult that carried out horrific and brutal operations on the infants. Whatever the truth of this awful discovery, Hambleden remains an ideal place for a day out in the countryside packed with intrigue, history and fairytale charm.
Bar Benjamin’s cocktail program feels a little like alchemy: Seemingly disparate ingredients enter a drink, but the results can be liquid gold. White chocolate mingles with English peas, lemon, olive oil tequila and cream sherry, while in another potion there’s fermented-mushroom green tea with red curry, olive-leaf gin, coconut rum, cilantro, and lemongrass foam. At the upstairs follow-up to the Benjamin, one of 2024’s best new spots to grab a drink, the cocktails are taken far beyond the downstairs focus on martinis and classics.
Owners Ben Shenassafar, Kate Burr and Jared Meisler tapped Jason Lee (formerly of n/soto, Baroo) and Chad Austin (formerly of the Mulholland, Bootlegger Tiki) to steer the new venture, and they’ve injected the dimly lit space with equal parts creativity and technical prowess. They draw on L.A.’s cross-cultural landscape with ingredients like Parmesan-washed Oaxacan rum, Sichuan peppercorn-laced mezcal and miso-imbued rye. There’s taro in the clarified milk punch and everything-bagel seasoning in the Gibson, and there’s a selection of bar snacks and small plates — beef tartare, shrimp rolls, deviled eggs — to round it all out.
Las Vegas — I turn a bend and see a figure in a cornfield. The gray sky is foreboding, a storm clearly on the horizon. When I take a step forward, I’m hit with a gust of wind and fog. Suddenly, it’s no longer a silhouette in the haze but a scarecrow, shrouded in hay, lurching toward me.
Only I am not on a Midwestern farm, and there is no threat of severe weather. I‘m in a warehouse in Las Vegas, walking through a maze called “Scarecrow: The Reaping.” I jump back and fixate my phone’s camera on the creature, but that only encourages them to step closer. I‘m hurried out of the farmland and into a hall, where giant stalks now obscure my path.
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
Welcome to Universal Horror Unleashed, which aims to deliver year-round horrors and further expand theme park-like experiences beyond their hubs of Southern California and Central Florida. Horror Unleashed, opening Aug. 14, is an outgrowth of Universal’s popular fall event, Halloween Horror Nights, which has been running yearly at the company’s Los Angeles park since 2006 and even longer at its larger Florida counterpart.
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Like Halloween Horror Nights, there are maze-like haunted houses — four of them here themed to various properties such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “The Exorcist.” Their more permanent status allows for a greater production factor — think disappearing walls and more elaborate show scenes — and they are surrounded by brooding bars, a pop-up rock-inspired dance show and a host of original walk-around characters. “Hey, sugar,” said a young woman as I near the warehouse’s main bar, a wraparound establishment themed to a large boiler. The actor’s face was scarred with blood, hinting at a backstory I didn’t have time — or perhaps the inclination — to explore.
Horror Unleashed is opening just on the cusp of when theme parks and immersive-focused live experiences are entering one of the busiest times of the year: Halloween. The holiday, of course, essentially starts earlier each year. This year’s Halloween Horror Nights begins Sept. 4, while Halloween season at the Disneyland Resort launches Aug. 22. Horror shows and films are now successful year-round, with the likes of “Sinners” and “The Last of Us” enrapturing audiences long before Oct. 31. Culture has now fully embraced the darker side of fairy tales.
A scene from the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” maze at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre at the Universal Horror Unleashed.
A gruesome moment during the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” maze at Universal Horror Unleashed.
“You can make every month horrific,” says Nate Stevenson, Horror Unleashed’s show director.
That’s been a goal of David Markland, co-founder of Long Beach’s Halloween-focused convention Midsummer Scream, which this year is set for the weekend of Aug. 15. When Midsummer Scream began in 2016, it attracted about 8,000 people, says Markland, but today commands audiences of around 50,000. “Rapidly, over the past 10 or 15 years, Halloween has become a year-round fascination for people,” Markland says. “Halloween is a culture now. Halloween is a lifestyle. It’s a part of people’s lives that they celebrate year-round.”
There will be challenges, a difficult tourism market among them, as visits to Las Vegas were down 11.3% in June 2025 versus a year earlier, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. And then there’s the question of whether audiences are ready for year-round haunts that extend beyond the fall Halloween season to winter, spring and summer. I entered Horror Unleashed for a media preview on an early August night when it was 105 degrees in the Las Vegas heat. It’s also been tried before, albeit on a smaller scale. Las Vegas was once home to Eli Roth’s Goretorium, a year-round haunted house that leaned on torture-horror and shuttered after about a year in 2013.
But Universal creatives are undaunted.
Frankenstein’s monster comes alive during a Universal monsters maze at Universal Horror Unleashed.
More than a decade, of course, has passed, and Horror Unleashed is more diverse in its horror offerings. A maze themed to Universal’s classic creatures winds through a castle and catacombs with vintage-style horrors and a mid-show scene in which Frankenstein’s monster comes alive. Original tale “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” which began at Universal Studios Florida, mixes in jump scares with more natural-seeming frights, such as the aforementioned simulated dust bowl.
TJ Mannarino, vice president of entertainment, art and design at Universal Orlando, points to cultural happenings outside of the theme parks in broadening the terror scene — the success of shows such as “The Walking Dead” and “American Horror Story,” which found audiences outside of the Halloween season, as well as “Stranger Things,” which he says opened up horror to a younger crowd. Theme parks are simply reflecting our modern culture, which is craving darker fantasies. Universal, for instance, recently opened an entire theme park land focused on its classic monsters at its new Epic Universe in Florida, and even Disney is getting in on the action, as a villains-focused land is in the works for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
An anxiety-ridden actor in “The Exorcist: Believer” maze at Universal Horror Unleashed.
“We think our audience really wants this,” says Mannarino, noting theme park attendance surveys were prodding the company to give horror a permanent home. And at Universal’s Orlando park, Halloween Horror Nights starts earlier, beginning in late August.
“Just a couple years ago, we started in August, and we were selling out August dates,” Stevenson says. “On a micro level, we’re seeing that, boy, it doesn’t matter if you extend past the season or extend out before the season — people are coming. People want it.”
The central bar, themed to a boiler room, at Universal Horror Unleashed.
Universal is betting on it, as the company has already announced that a second Horror Unleashed venue will be heading to Chicago in 2027. Smaller, more regional theme park-like experiences are once again something of a trend, as Netflix has immersive venues planned for the Dallas and Philadelphia regions, and Universal is also bringing a kid-focused park to Frisco, Texas.
There are antecedents for what Universal is attempting. Disney, for instance, tried an indoor interactive theme park with DisneyQuest, for which a Chicago location was short-lived and a Florida outpost closed in 2017. Star Trek: The Experience, a mix of theme park-like simulations and interactive theater, operated for about a decade in Las Vegas before it shuttered in 2008.
“I know there’s horror fans and Halloween fans who are always looking for something to do,” Markland says. “What [Universal is] doing is very ambitious and big, and so I’m nervous along with them. We’ll see how it goes. I’m sure people will go as soon as it opens and through the Halloween season, but after that, I don’t know. … They’ve definitely invested in Halloween and horror fans. They’re all-in.”
Horror, says author Lisa Morton — who has written multiple books on the Oct. 31 holiday, including “Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween” — is thriving in part because today it is taken more seriously by cultural critics. The genre also has metaphorical qualities — the struggle, for instance, that is life, art and creativity in “Sinners” or the underlying themes of PTSD that permeated the latest season of “The Last of Us.” That makes it especially appealing, she says, for today’s stressful times.
“I suspect that’s part of the reason horror is booming right now,” Morton says. “Everything from climate change, that we seem to have no voice in, and our politics, that don’t seem to represent us. Many of us are filled with anxiety about the future. I think horror is the perfect genre to talk about that. When you add a layer of a metaphor to it, it becomes much easier to digest.”
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
(Michael Kirschbaum / For The Times)
To step into Horror Unleashed is to walk into a demented wonderland, a place that turns standard theme park warmth and joy upside down. Don’t expect fairy tale-like happy endings. The space’s centerpiece performance is twisted, a story centering on Jack the Clown and his female sidekick Chance, who have kidnapped two poor Las Vegas street performers and are forcing them to execute their acts to perfection to avoid murder. The deeper one analyzes it, the more sinister its class dynamics feel, even if it’s an excuse to showcase, say, street dancing and hula hoop acrobatics.
A circus show at Universal Horror Unleashed features various Las Vegas performers.
The space has an underlying narrative. Broadly speaking, the warehouse is said to have been a storage place for Universal Studios’ early monster-focused horror films. That allows it to be littered with props, such as the throne-like chair near its entrance, and for nooks and crannies such as a “film vault” to be renamed a “kill vault.” Somehow — horror loves a good mystery — the space has come alive, and don’t be surprised to be greeted by a vampire or a costumed swampland figure that may or may not be related to the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The goal, says Universal creatives, is to give Horror Unleashed a bit of an immersive theater feel, something that can’t really be done among the chaotic scare zones and fast-moving mazes of a Halloween Horror Nights event. But here, guests can linger with the actors and probe them to try to uncover the storyline that imbues the venue. One-to-one actor interaction has long been a goal of those in the theme park space but often a tough formula to crack, in part because cast members are costly and in part because of the difficulty to scale such experiences for thousands.
“As we’ve evolved this style of experience, we have given more and more control of the show to the actors,” says Mannarino on what separates Horror Unleashed from Halloween Horror Nights. “It’s less programmed. It’s less technology. I’ve had conversations with tech magazines, and they’ll ask me what is the most critical piece, and I’ll say it’s the actors. … The lifeblood of our all stories — we can build all of this, but it doesn’t go without the actors.
“It’s what really drives this whole animal,” he adds.
A dark moment in “The Exorcist: Believer” maze at Universal Horror Unleashed.
It extends a bit to the mazes as well. Audiences should expect to spend about five to seven minutes in each of the four walk-through attractions, but unlike a Halloween Horror Nights event, where guests are rushed from room to room without stopping, in Las Vegas there will be one dedicated show scene per maze. Here, groups will be held to watch a mini-performance. In the “Exorcist” maze, for instance, that means witnessing a full exorcism, complete with special effects that will have walls give way to demonic specters. In the ‘70s-themed “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” haunt, look out for a bloody scene designed to drench guests.
Universal Horror Unleashed
The mazes are intended to be semi-permanent. Stevenson says there’s no immediate plans to swap them out in the near future but hints that Horror Unleashed will be an evolving venue and, if all goes according to plan, will look a bit different in a few years. Thus, he says the key differentiator between Horror Unleashed and Halloween Horror Nights is not necessarily the tech used in the mazes, but the extended time they can devote to unwrapping a story.
“When Universal builds a haunted house, the level of story that starts that out is enormous,” Stevenson says. “There’s so much story. All of our partners need that because they base every little nuanced thing off of that story. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the chance to tell that story, and all our fans tell us they want to know more story.”
A sampling of food and drinks at Universal Horror Unleashed, including a bread dish with bourbon-laced cheese.
Tacos and a chainsaw-themed flatbread at Universal Horror Unleashed.
Story percolates throughout the venue. Flatbreads, for instance, are shaped like chainsaw blades. Desserts come on plates that are mini-shovels. Salad dressing is delivered in syringes. In the past, says Mannarino, no one wanted their food to be played with. ‘“Don’t do horrible things to my food!’” he says in mock exaggeration. “But now, people really love that.”
Little, it seems, is obscene, when every day can be Halloween.
Maybe you’ve heard about San Francisco’s doom loop. But have you met its jumbo nude?
As just about any San Franciscan could tell you, “doom loop” is shorthand for the city’s post-pandemic troubles. Many of those worries stem from dwindling demand for office space, but would-be visitors have also been nervous about crime and withering retail energy.
That brings us to the jumbo nude. It’s a 45-foot, semi-translucent sculpture of a woman now standing at the foot of Market Street, officially named R-Evolution. Not everyone loves her, but she is one among many new or improved elements attracting locals and visitors these days.
Even with San Francisco’s office vacancy rate hovering around 35%, the sun keeps rising and visitors keep smiling, most of them, much of the time.
Make your way to the city and you can see major park upgrades at the Presidio and Ocean Beach. Or you can frolic among massive balloon installations, vintage photo booths and ‘60s artifacts in permanent and pop-up places that bill themselves as museums.
There’s also the prospect of a new “bay lights” show with 50,000 illumination points on the Bay Bridge. (Those lights were supposed to be on by now, but installation snags led to a delay; organizers say they’rehoping to be ready “sometime this fall.”)
Also, the food doesn’t hurt. When our critic Bill Addison chose 101 of his favorite California restaurants recently,35 of them were in San Francisco.
Meanwhile, crime has been falling since early 2023, especially this year. Tourist arrivals are 11% behind 2019 but have grown steadily since 2021.
As this list attests, there’s plenty to see. But first, we should talk about a few places not on this list.
One is Fisherman’s Wharf. It has added a SkyStar Ferris wheel (which migrated from Golden Gate Park in 2023) and the Port of San Francisco says it will soon begin a big redevelopment, but the area remains dominated by T-shirt shops and multiple old-school restaurants that have been shuttered since the pandemic. The neighborhood was to have added a Museum of Failure this year but, not kidding, the enterprise collapsed amid anintellectual property dispute before opening. The storefront “failure” sign was still up in June, creating the snarkiest photo op ever.
About This Guide
Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What should we check out next? Send ideas to [email protected].
Another mixed bag isUnion Square, whose hotels, department stores and passing cable cars have made it the starting point for legions of tourists through the decades. The square is still pleasant by day, with young visitors drawn to assorted free games (ping-pong, badminton, cornhole) while cable cars pass, tourists line up for Big Bus tours and guests at the adjacent Beacon Grand Hotel (formerly the Sir Francis Drake) explore the neighborhood. But many key retailers have shuttered, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, and Macy’s will follow. (The company has said it will close as soon as it finds a buyer for the property.)
“We feel safe here. But kind of disappointed by all the closures,” said Melinda Parker, visiting San Francisco with her husband from Boise. Also, Parker said, “a city should be judged on the quality of its public toilets. They have one here, and it’s closed.”
Still, there are more than enough bright spots to light up a San Francisco visit. Let’s go back for a second to Tunnel Tops, one of the city’s recently improved park spaces. You grab a snack, commandeer a patio table and gaze upon the Presidio and Golden Gate. A family debate erupts over whether to hit a museum next or try an urban hike. This is a sort of problem, but a nice choice to have. And San Francisco now offers plenty like that.
Even if you’re not sure you’ve seen Alan Tudyk in the numerous films or TV shows he’s appeared in, you’ve definitely heard him. Tudyk has been endearing audiences with his vocal stylings ever since 2002’s “Ice Age” — he voiced characters like the Duke of Weselton in “Frozen,” Heihei the rooster in “Moana” and King Candy in “Wreck-It Ralph.”
In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.
Still, many fans know Tudyk best for his sci-fi and genre roles, including his four-season run as Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle of Syfy’s “Resident Alien,” which comes to an end with its final episode on Friday. “It’s a tough goodbye,” says Tudyk. “Fingers crossed for the reboot ‘Resident Alien versus Predator.’” In the meantime, you can catch him as Gary in 2025’s “Superman” and as K-2SO in “Andor,” for which he recently netted an Emmy nomination, as you await the handful of upcoming live-action and voice-over projects Tudyk has in the works.
We caught up with the busy actor to discuss his perfect L.A. day, which would involve, first things first, coffee. “I have to say that the last thing that Charissa [Barton, his wife] and I are thinking of when we go to sleep is, ‘I can’t wait to have more coffee tomorrow,’” he admits. “It’s such a beautiful promise for a new day.”
Also vital on any great Sunday is time with Charissa and their dogs, Raisin and Clara, a lot of delicious gluten-free food, shopping, writing time and a car nap. And then there’s their crucial tradition: a music listening session leading up to a very important decision. “I choose a summer song every year,” he said. “It’s down to the final. There’ve been songs that come and go all summer long that are potential songs. We choose the summer song, and to celebrate, we go eat some more.”
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
7 a.m.: Coffee and a dog run in the Hollywood Hills I bounce right out of bed, and I have some coffee that I make at home, Intelligentsia Coffee with oat milk. I use a frother, and a little bit of granulated monk fruit sugar on top. I love that stuff. I feed my dogs, Raisin and Clara. And then we go for a run in the Hollywood Hills, near the Hollywood sign up in the Beachwood Canyon area, around where people rent horses to go horseback riding. Raisin, a terrier mix, is 15 and a half. She has run those hills her whole life; she’s chased coyotes over the edge. Just disappears into the brush of the canyon and comes back smiling. She’s 10 pounds. And Aunt Clara, a 20-pound goofball cockapoo, stays by my side because half of her is an obedient dog and the other half is afraid. But Raisin is in charge of the world, and she can do what she wants.
9:30 a.m.: Two (gluten-free) breakfasts at Honey Hi We come back home, I quickly shower, and my wife then wakes up, because she sleeps longer than me. And we all go to Honey Hi, a gluten-free breakfast place, mainly. We can bring the dogs, as long as they’re on leashes. Although, yeah, Raisin prefers to be carried, especially after an hour-long hike chasing coyotes.
I order two breakfasts, because I’ve been jogging and I’m hungry and all I’ve had is coffee, which seems really like a bad idea. It sounds like a recipe for a stomachache. I get the community bowl, which is just so very healthy and tasty. And also the pancakes, because one breakfast isn’t enough. I eat half the pancakes and my wife eats the other half. So it’s really just one and a half breakfasts.
11 a.m.: A stop at Wacko We go up toWacko on our way back home. It’s over on Sunset Boulevard, where Sunset and Hollywood kind of become one, right around Vermont. Wacko is a store that sells collectible stuff, but also a lot of books. If you ever want to get a cool book for somebody that’s more like a picture book or an artist book or a coffee table-type book, they have those. And in the back is La Luz de Jesus Gallery. We always go in there and check out what local artists are being hung.
11:45 a.m.: 15-minute car nap We come back out to our car and turn on the air conditioner, and we have a good little 15-minute nap, to get the energy to drive. And nobody even bothers us, and we’ve found great parking. It’s a perfect day.
12:15 p.m.: Coffee No. 2 and some bagels On our way home, we stop at Blue Bottle Coffee on Hillhurst. There’s a Pop’s Bagels truck that parks outside of that coffee shop up until about 3 p.m. every day. And they have gluten-free bagels. So we’ll just grab some of those for later, and we get a second coffee — a nice oat milk latte. I get like three to four coffees a day.
1:30 p.m.: Writing time at home We love our house, so we’re probably going to spend a little time at home. The dogs nap. I write, and my wife reads. Writing always makes a day better, so let’s do one hour solid. When you get done, you’re like, OK, you’ve got to come back to the world.
3 p.m.: A perfect burger for a perfect day Then it’s time to eat more. Oh my God. We have to eat. We drive to Crossroads on Melrose and have that burger of theirs. It’s on their weekday menu, but on this magical Sunday, let’s say they happen to offer their weekday menu. It’s like an Impossible vegan burger, but it tastes just like a double cheeseburger from McDonald’s, with a gluten-free bun. And the fries are delicious. You also want to get the kale Caesar salad on the side. It’s just fantastic. We decide to splurge and get their vegan chocolate sundae.
4 p.m.: Coffee No. 3 and shopping at Dover Street Market We should probably get some more coffee, and good thing there’s a Blue Bottle just off Melrose. Then we go to the Arts District downtown, to this cool clothing store called Dover Street Market. Some people will say, “Alan, but aren’t you old? Why would you be shopping at Dover Street Market? Those are really hip clothes.” Look, first of all, Charissa pulls off a lot of really hip stuff, and I can almost keep up with her. So there’s stuff for people in their fifties, and we find those items and we buy them. They’ve got stuff from really hip Japanese brands and local fashion people, and they’ve also got stuff that’s like skatewear. I don’t skate anymore, but it doesn’t mean I can’t wear some skate brands now, because I left a lot of the skin from my knees and elbows in ditches and on streets and launch ramps back in the ‘80s. Skate or die. Which at this point, if I did skate, I would die.
So we go there and we shop and spend a little too much money. And there’s Rose Bakery in the back, and they have a strawberry cake that is gluten-free and delicious.
6 p.m.: Crown the 2025 Song of the Summer We take the cake that we bought at Dover Street, and we go sit in the car and listen to music while we eat cake and trade songs back and forth between us, deciding on the song of the summer. This summer’s vibe for me — because it’s been such a crazy time in the world, I need an escape from it — I really have been trying to find songs that take me away from everything. It’s between “Punkrocker” [by Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop], the song on the credits of “Superman”; “Chaperone,” from Mermaid Chunky, and “Pick Up the Phone,” by Sofi Tukker. And although “Pick Up the Phone” almost edges it out, “Chaperone” wins the day because of the madness of the summer of 2025. You need something that matches the madness but chooses absurdity, and it really does a great job.
7 p.m.: Pork chop and peaches at Manuela Since we’re downtown, we go to Manuela. It is so very good. I get the pork chop. So if anybody was reading this thinking, Oh, he’s all about the vegan, hell no. This is the moment. The pork chop at Manuela is on the menu at all times, and it is fantastic, and especially great right now because they serve it with fresh peaches. It’s like a whole peach. And Charissa gets something with fish. Charissa has a nice glass of white wine, and I have some silly mocktail that isn’t too sweet, because I’m driving. On the way home, on Hillhurst near Franklin, we’ll stop at Alcove Cafe and Bakery, which has the best gluten-free carrot cake you could ever put near your face.
9:30 p.m.: Cake and Colbert in bed We take the cake home with us, and in bed we watch Colbert and eat cake and then brush our teeth because there’s been so much cake. And then we will be up for another hour, but I don’t want to get into it what goes on. But that’s still part of the day after Colbert leaves.
Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago airports are due to be impacted by workers downing tools over the coming weeks
Rita Sobot Spain Correspondent and Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter
10:47, 05 Aug 2025
Workers at 12 Spanish airports will go on strike (Image: Getty)
Brits heading for Spain are facing more travel chaos as 3,000 striking workers target 12 airports.
Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago airports are due to be impacted by workers downing tools over the coming weeks, which are among the busiest travel weeks of the year.
The strikes involve more than 3,000 Azul Handling baggage handlers and are due to kick off on August 15, 16, and 17, and then every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year. By law, the workers have to provide a “minimum service” yet to be determined, but the action could still have a major impact on travellers.
The industry action will coincide with the long bank holiday weekend at the end of August and the days before most children return to school, potentially spelling major headaches for UK holidaymakers. Around 18 million Brits head to Spain each year, with the bulk of those trips coming during the school holidays.
The strike will affect all bases and work centres in Spain and will take place between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The union has said its decision to strike is based on what it sees as a lack of stable job creation and consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff, as well as a disagreement with bosses over bonuses.
It has also claimed there are issues with how workers are sanctioned and what it sees as an “abuse of overtime”. The strike is motivated by sanctions imposed on workers who refuse to work non-mandatory hours, with penalties of up to 36 days without employment or pay.
“UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce,” the unions said in a statement.
Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, claimed Azul Handling maintains “a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands.”
The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector demands that the company withdraw the sanctions, comply with the opinions of the Joint Commission and immediately open a real negotiation process, which will improve the working conditions of the more than 3,000 workers affected throughout the national territory.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.”
A MUM halved her weight without the help of fat jabs and now men are racing to take her out.
Laura Taylor was a heavy size 24 before she embarked on her weight loss journey in March 2024, after struggling with her weight since she was a teenager.
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Laura Taylor was previously a size 24Credit: Kennedy News & Media
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The mum halved her body weight without the help of fat jabsCredit: Kennedy News & Media
The mum claims fellas would flee dates because ‘they didn’t realise’ her size, but now blokes try to woo her with drinks.
The 35-year-old says the battle with her weight began when she was bullied for being ‘fat’ and branded ‘tree trunk legs’ by cruel bullies at high school.
As a result, the mum-of-five didn’t wear a skirt for decades and was reluctant to leave the house due to her size 24 figure.
The self-conscious cleaning business owner would only share pictures of her face, not of her body, on her dating profiles.
Laura says when she did meet up for dates, men would sheepishly admit they ‘didn’t realise how big she was’ before slinking off just an hour after meeting her.
After trying and failing to lose the weight naturally, Laura underwent a ‘life-changing’ gastric sleeve operation in Turkey in March 2024.
Since then, she has switched her old diet of McDonald’s breakfasts, pub lunches, takeaway dinners, and five cans of Coca-Cola per day for protein coffees, fruit and chicken salads.
As a result, Laura has shed a whopping 10 stone in 16 months, initially tipping the scales at 20st 1lb and dropping down to 9st 13lbs and a slinky size eight.
Following her incredible weight loss, Laura says men now race to the bar to buy her drinks – and she’s finally confident enough to share full body images on her dating profile.
Laura, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said: “When men tell me that I look beautiful and sexy because I’ve lost all of my weight I do feel it.
I look unrecognisable after my 14st weight loss – it’s like my partner has brand new girlfriend
“When I was really big I used to go on dates and then an hour later they would say that they had to go and then I’d get blocked.
“They used to say that they didn’t realise how big I was or that my pictures looked different because they couldn’t see my body.
“I never used to show my body [on my dating profile], I just used to show my face.
“I include pictures of my body now. All of my profile pictures are of my full body because I feel more confident in myself now I’ve lost weight.
“I think I look a lot better, but I think I still have the mindset of when I was fat.
“I go out and I’ve got men coming up to me asking to buy me a drink and I’m like ‘what do you see in me really?’ Sometimes it’s quite hard to take in.”
Problems with Laura’s weight first began when she received cruel comments from bullies at high school.
Laura said: “I’ve had an issue with my weight all my life, really since I was a teenager.
“I got a lot of bullying at school because when I used to wear skirts I’d get called ‘tree trunk legs’ and fat.
“After a couple times of wearing skirts I never wore them again.
“I never wanted to go to school with a skirt on because I used to get called that all the time.
“Food was a comfort for me. I used to sit at home and eat food because I got bullied and I felt like nobody fancied me.”
After struggling with her weight since she was a teen, Laura decided to commit to having gastric sleeve surgery.
What is the difference between a gastric band, bypass and sleeve?
Gastric band: where a band is used to reduce the stomach’s size, meaning you will feel full after eating a reduced amount of food
Gastric bypass: where your digestive system is re-routed past stomach, so you digest less food and it takes less to make you feel full
Sleeve gastrectomy: where some of the stomach is removed, to reduce the amount of food required to make you feel full
When coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, weight loss surgery has been found to be effective in dramatically reducing a patient’s excess body fat.
Recent research in the United States found that people with gastric bands lose around half of their excess body weight.
Meanwhile gastric bypasses reduce this excess body weight by two thirds post-op.
However, it’s not always successful – and patients still need to take responsibility for eating well and working out.
Laura said: “I went to the doctors and asked to be put on the waiting list for a gastric sleeve in the UK but they told me I wasn’t big enough.
“I looked at the prices in the UK but it was £10,500 and I didn’t have the money.
“When I was pricing it up it was so much cheaper in Turkey than it was over here.
“It was £2,400 and then the flights were £600, so about £3,000 in total.
“The NHS was a six-year waiting list and I couldn’t wait that long because I didn’t leave the house.
“I didn’t see my friends or anything like that because they were all quite skinny and I was the fat one of the bunch.”
Since having the £3,000 op, Laura says she gets told she looks younger and some of her friends don’t even recognise her when they see her in the street.
Laura said: “I get told I look younger because I have lost a lot of weight in my face.
“I feel good in myself and people say that I look amazing.
“I do need to start taking those compliments in because I’ve been fat all of my life it’s hard for me to say I do actually look good.
“A lot of friends haven’t seen me in the past 18 months and when I’ve been out they’ve walked past me.
“I’ve had to tap them on the shoulder and say ‘do you not recognise me?’.”
Laura says she now finally has the confidence to wear skirts and dresses again and will even be wearing a bikini when she goes on holiday in August.
Laura said: “I never used to wear the stuff I wear now, there’s no way I would be putting on a dress on above my knees.
“I don’t go out in jeans now, I only wear skirts or dresses.”
Laura says the operation ‘saved her life’ and has had a positive impact on her socially.
Laura said: “I’ve always been the one [in my friend group] that’s sat in the corner and not really danced because I didn’t want to.
“I’m on the dance floor before anyone else now because I’ve got so much energy I want to dance.
“The operation saved my life. I’d still be sat in the house now not going out, so it has changed my life completely.”
Here’s what Laura would eat in a day.
TYPICAL FOOD DIARY BEFORE WEIGHTLOSS
Breakfast – McDonalds breakfast
Lunch – Pub lunch mixed grill or English breakfast
Dinner – Takeaway or chips and sausages
Snacks – Chocolate, sweets, crisps and five cans of Coca-Cola per day
TYPICAL FOOD DIARY AFTER WEIGHTLOSS
Breakfast – Protein coffee
Lunch – None
Dinner – Chicken salad, chilli or chicken and rice
Snacks – Apples, cheese strings, decaf coffee
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I’ve tried everything.
I’ve taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
Dillian Whyte’s trainer Buddy McGirt admitted he has never watched Moses Itauma box
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Itauma is undefeated and has brought back memories of a teenage Mike Tyson
And that could come back to haunt the Body Snatcher and his trainer as his upcoming foe has won all of his 12 fights heading to their clash in the Middle East.
McGirt said: “I’m gonna be 1000% honest with you, I’ve never seen Moses fight, so I really don’t know what he’s ready for.
“He’s got to bring it all. I said to Dill ‘Listen, let’s be realistic here, what can this kid do that you haven’t already seen?
“But can that kid ask the same question? Can Dillian do something that this kid has never seen before?”
McGirt has worked with with several other world champions, such as Sergey Kovalev, Arturo Gatti andHasim Rahman
And the American rarely watches tape in the lead-up to any of his boxers’ fights.
The hills of the Scottish Highlands were still in sight when the cry went up: “Whale!” And there it was, a humpback on the port side of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, blasting a great cloud of mist from its blowhole, then with a farewell flick of its tail, disappearing into the Atlantic. On other voyages you may see glorious sunsets, rare migratory birds, ruined castles and historic lighthouses. Unlike the classic road trip or the great railway journey, however, the humble ferry rarely makes it to anyone’s bucket list. They are a means to an end, only chosen by necessity. And yet, the UK has some of the best and most exhilarating voyages within its borders. From exciting river crossings to island odysseys that test the mettle of the best sea captains, these boat journeys can be the high point of any trip.
Whale-watching on the way from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly
Starting from Penzance’s South Pier, in sight of St Michael’s Mount, the crossing to St Mary’s is the indispensable highlight of any trip to the Isles of Scilly. The gas-guzzling, climate-clobbering helicopter doesn’t even approach the magic of this ship and its three-hour voyage into the Atlantic Ocean. Penzance bursts with nautical heritage; many of its remarkable number of pubs have existed since the days of Captain Kidd and Francis Drake. Once aboard the Scillonian (built in Appledore, Devon, in 1977), find a position with a view to the starboard to glimpse Land’s End on departure, then keep a lookout for wildlife. Dolphins and whales are sighted regularly on the voyage. Birdlife includes gannets, Manx shearwaters and puffins. Watch out for bird feeding frenzies, which may attract the attention of bluefin tuna (the half-ton fish can leap clear of the water and numbers are rising fast). Other potential highlights include fin whales, the planet’s second largest animal after the blue whale – with several sightings in 2024. A day return on the Scillonian III is £35.Woodstock Ark, a secluded cabin near Penzance South Pier, sleeps two, from £133 a night. Star Castle Hotel, close to the Scillonian’s arrival point on St Mary’s, has great food and superb views; doubles with dinner from £245.
A tugboat tow on the River Dart in Devon
There has been a ferry across the River Dart since the 14th century. Photograph: Candy Apple Red Images/Alamy
Dartmouth has a huge heritage of sailing and boats, and the lower ferry across the mouth of the River Dart is an absolute classic. The best approach is on the steam railway from Paignton, which brings you into what was once the Great Western Railway’s imposing Kingswear station on the east bank of the river. Alternatively, you could walk to Kingswear on the South West Coast Path from Brixham (a 10-mile yomp). There has been a ferry here since the 14th century and the latest incarnation is a barge with room for eight cars towed by a tugboat. The crossing is short but memorable, the flanks of the steeply wooded valley looming over a fast-moving tidal river that froths around the barge as it picks its way through a busy shipping lane. Landing is right in town, next to the blue plaque for John Davis, one of the great sea dogs of Devon, who searched for the Northwest Passage and died at the hands of pirates near Singapore in 1605. If the crossing has whetted the appetite, walk upriver along the historic waterfront to the Upper Dart ferry, another interesting boat. Originally a floating platform linked to cross-river chains that were pulled by horses, today it’s a diesel-electric paddle engine combined with cables that can manage about 18 cars. The Lower Dart Ferry costs £5 return for a foot passenger; car and passengers £14 return. Ferryside apartment next to the ferry in Kingswear sleeps four, from £533 for three nights. Further away, Dartington Hall, once Britain’s leading progressive school, is now a top arts centre, offering wonderful gardens and accommodation, withdoubles from £103 B&B.
An exhilarating passage from Berneray toHarris in the Outer Hebrides
A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry docked at Berneray. Photograph: Pearl Bucknall/Alamy
Scotland is blessed with many memorable ferry routes, but none surpasses the short voyage from Berneray to Leverburgh on Harris. A hop of just nine nautical miles and taking an hour, it crosses the shallow Sound of Harris, which is strewn with deadly rocks, dangerous tidal currents and frequent mists. Before GPS, it was a rule that the captain would turn back if he couldn’t see two buoys ahead, and occasionally the ship would slither on to a sandbank and have to stay there until the tide lifted her off. These days it remains an exhilarating passage, weaving between dozens of jagged hazards with evocative names such as Drowning Rock and the Black Curran. Listen for the ghostly cries of seals on the larger islets, and look out for a majestic white-tailed sea eagle. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry costs £4.70 one way for a foot passenger. Camping at Balranald on North Uist is highly recommended (tent £14), or try 30 Backhill, a restored thatched stone croft on Berneray, from £535a week.
Crossing Harwich harbour from Suffolk to Essex
Passengers boarding the Harwich harbour ferry in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Photograph: Geog Photos/Alamy
As a shortcut at the end of the Suffolk coastal path, the ferry from Landguard Fort near Felixstowe to Harwich offers great panoramas of the harbour formed by the rivers Orwell and Stour. You’re likely to spot some of the planet’s largest container ships and a Thames barge. Alternatively, embark at Shotley Gate, the tip of the narrow and beautiful Shotley peninsula that separates the two rivers – the walk down the Orwell from Ipswich is particularly picturesque, taking in Pin Mill. Harwich old town is also well worth exploring, with some beautiful period buildings including the Electric Cinema, opened in 1911. The Harwich Harbour Ferry connects Felixstowe and Harwich (tickets £6 one way), and Harwich and Shotley (£4.80); it runs from April to October. The Alma Inn is a gorgeous Grade II-listed pub in old Harwich, with doubles from £90 B&B.
A hand ferry across the River Wye in Herefordshire
The barman at the pub in Symonds Yat hauls the ferry across the River Wye. Photograph: Paul Weston/Alamy
There cannot be many ferries that only run when the barman is free, but this classic crossing requires the pump-puller at the Saracens Head in Symonds Yat to shut up shop for a few minutes and haul half a dozen passengers across the River Wye using an overhead cable. Despite some deplorable environmental mismanagement upstream, the river here remains a beautiful sight. On the far bank, take the lane north to another good pub, Ye Old Ferrie Inn. Their ferry drops you on a footpath that heads up through the woods for the fine views along the curving river from the Symonds Yat rock itself. These crags were visited in 1770, by schoolmaster William Gilpin, who had an eye for untamed landscapes, triggering a revolution in the appreciation of views and nature that we still benefit from today. Alternatively, walk downriver and cross at the beautiful Biblins suspension bridge. Both Symonds Yat ferries cost £2 for adults. The Saracens Head occupies a lovely riverside location, with doubles from £135, B&B.
Swivel from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides
The Glenelg to Skye ferry is a fun alternative to the modern bridge. Photograph: John Bracegirdle/Alamy
You may, of course, choose to take the bridge to Skye, but for a real Hebridean treat take the original ferry across the 500-metre-wide Kyle Rhea straits. This is the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world (built in Troon in 1969), carrying just six cars and 12 people on a five-minute voyage. Due to strong tidal currents running at up to nine knots and frequently windy conditions, the designers came up with the ingenious solution of a turntable to allow vehicles to disembark safely. Saved by a local campaign in 2006, it has now become a vital part of the Skye experience. The Isle of Skye ferry from Glenelg costs£3 for foot passengers, and £20 for a car (with up to four passengers) one way. Sykes Cottages has a number of properties on Skye, including Beaton’s traditional thatched croft, from £457a week.
Following a significant tourist boom, officials have confirmed overseas tourists will be charged to enter some of the country’s most popular natural sites – with some fees as high as £17
The country is clamping down on tourism following a surge in overseas visitors(Image: Getty Images)
A breathtakingly beautiful country renowned for its rugged mountains and lush landscapes has revealed plans to charge overseas tourists for entering some of its most famous natural attractions. Last year, around 3.31 million international tourists flocked to New Zealand, a significant increase of 357,000 compared to 2023.
Lured in by its glow worm-filled caves, natural springs, incredible hikes and unbeatable coffee culture, the country’s tourist boom has shed light on the strain tourism can have on nature. As a result, conservation minister Tama Potaka and prime minister Christopher Luxon have announced new measures to help protect the areas, as well as create more jobs and boost wages.
Locals will not be impacted by the new charges(Image: Getty Images)
“Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change,” Mr Potaka said. “But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free.”
The politician estimated the move will generate a whopping £28 million in revenue per year, which will be ‘directly re-invested into those same areas’. However, New Zealanders will be exempt from the tourist charge.
Milford Sound will be one of the first attractions to introduce the fee(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn’t have to pay to see it,” the PM added, arguing the country’s concessions regime is ‘totally broken’. “If we’re serious about keeping Kiwis at home, creating jobs, and increasing wages for all New Zealanders, we can’t afford to keep saying no to every opportunity that comes our way.”
The first locations to introduce the charges will be Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), a stunning fjord located in the southwest of the south island. Sandwiched within Fiordland National Park, the reserve is highly popular with tourists wanting to explore the dolphin-filled waters and majestic waterfalls on a boat tour. It was also one of the many filming locations for the Lord of the Rings.
Te Whanganui-a-Hei (aka Cathedral Cove) will also implement the tourist fee(Image: Getty Images)
The iconic Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) will also be included in the shake-up. This stunning marine reserve is arguably the country’s most famous patch of sand, often pictured by its natural archway that perfectly frames the beach. Other sites slated to introduce tourist charges include Tongariro Crossing in the eponymously-named national park and the famous Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Reports suggest the charge won’t come into effect until 2027(Image: Getty Images)
The Ryanair passenger, a 21-year-old man, was removed from the flight destined for Spain after he was accused of committing an aviation offence, causing a two-hour delay
05:55, 05 Aug 2025Updated 05:55, 05 Aug 2025
Police were called to the aircraft after an alarm was allegedly set off by a passenger(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
A Ryanair passenger who allegedly vaped in the plane toilet was marched off a plane by six police officers.
The 21-year-old man caused a two-hour delay to his flight after it is said he puffed on a vape in the loo before the plane was due to take off at Edinburgh Airport. Police stormed the aircraft and detained the young man on suspicion of breaching aviation laws.
Mr Walker said the man on his flight was bundled into a police van amid their delay. Authorities have confirmed the 21-year-old suspect has been charged in relation to an aviation offence.
Police stormed the flight(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
Speaking yesterday about the footage, shot on July 3, Mr Walker said: “A young lad in a group happened to set the alarm off for apparently vaping.
“The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane. The young lad waited for over six police officers to come on board.
“He was taken off, he was very calm, didn’t argue or anything, no drama. We then happened to bump into him on Benidorm’s famous strip and he told us he just got a caution and was banned from Ryanair.”
A representative for Police Scotland said: “Around 7.55 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 were called to an aircraft at Edinburgh Airport. Officers attended, and a 21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
