Ex-MasterChef winners on why they are rallying around a show in crisis

Former MasterChef winners have rallied around the BBC series as it faces criticism for returning to screens, with the new episodes featuring sacked hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode.

MasterChef champion Thomas Frake, who won the series in 2020, and Greek chef Irini Tzortzoglou, who was crowned in 2019, have both said they support the BBC’s decision to air the controversial episodes.

“The past few months have been very, very sad,” Tzortzoglou, who released the cookbook Under the Olive Tree and began hosting culinary retreats across Europe after her MasterChef success, told The Independent.

“If I had gone through all that – the highs and lows – then somebody said to me, ‘Well actually, we may not show the three months of your life when you spilled your blood and guts to see how far you could go,’ I’d be very unhappy. I’m very thrilled to see it on our screens.”

Frake, owner of The Silks pub in Marlborough, Wiltshire, credits his time on MasterChef with his subsequent success in the hospitality industry. The chef noted the programme is a “huge operation” and said pulling the series would have affected the livelihoods of both the contestants and production crew.

“They’re not just characters on a screen,” he said of this year’s cast. “They turned up, they cooked …[but] they’re not the champion until it goes out on TV.”

The BBC’s decision to air this year’s MasterChef faced opposition from the broadcast union Bectu and leading women’s rights organisation the Fawcett Society, who said broadcasting episodes featuring Torode and Wallace would distress the people who made complaints about the two men.

Wallace’s return to the BBC was deemed “untenable” this July when an investigation into historical misconduct upheld 45 of 83 allegations against the presenter, including claims of inappropriate sexual language and one incident of unwelcome physical contact.

Torode, who alongside Wallace had presented the programme since 2005, was sacked a day after the results of the investigation came out, as the same report upheld a complaint against him involving “an extremely offensive racist term”.

Tzortzoglou told this paper she thought the BBC should have placed a disclaimer on instalments of the 21st series, which was filmed before the inquiry last year but launched this week, to “be sensitive” and “give some credence” to the people who feel the decision to air the episodes featuring Torode and Wallace was wrong.

Some viewers said they felt “conflicted” seeing the hosts on screen after initial episodes of this year’s MasterChef aired. One contestant, Sarah Shafi, agreed to be edited out of the series after objecting to it being broadcast over concerns it sent the wrong message to women following the allegations against Wallace.

Tzortzoglou argued the BBC “has actually taken steps to be sensitive” by featuring the contestants – rather than the MasterChef presenters – in promotional materials for the programme ahead of its release. “But the idea that it might not show it at all is beyond my comprehension,” she said.

Amid the crisis, the chef urged viewers to “give the programme and the contestants a chance” as the series continues to air over the next seven weeks. “The programme wasn’t just the presenters,” she reasoned. “The presenters were very public faces – but they were only two people.”

Tzortzoglou and Frake aren’t the only MasterChef alums to support the show’s decision to air in recent weeks. Winner of the 2022 Professionals edition, Nikita Pathakji, 2021 finalist Madeeha Qureshi, 2022 finalist Pookie Tredell and 2006 finalist Dean Edwards have all backed the series being released.

Members of last year’s cohort – finalist Louise MacLeod, and quarter finalists Fateha Khanom Ali and Steve Deakin – have also voiced their approval online, as well as 2024 Professionals chef Ritchie Stainsby and 2022 semi-finalist James Skelton.

“We do support each other,” Tzortzoglou said of the relationship between MasterChef contestants across series from many different years. “The idea of ‘they have gone through what you went through’ somehow brings you closer together,” she said. “You feel like you all belong to this little club.”

Frake added that he’s optimistic that this year’s MasterChef cohort will see the hospitality success they deserve – despite their series being shrouded in scandal. “I think they’re going to have the exact same opportunities, fingers crossed for them, that all the champions before them, myself included, have had.”

Rees-Mogg slams new Prince Andrew biography as ‘salacious gossip’

The author of a new biography about the Duke and Duchess of York has clashed with Jacob Rees-Mogg over the book, which the GB News host branded as “salacious gossip”.

The book, called Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, written by Andrew Lownie, has made claims about the disgraced duke’s life.

It includes accusations of affairs, fights with Prince Harry and of being “unbelievably cruel” to royal staff.

But the author was confronted by Mr Rees-Mogg over the sources he used in the joint biography, which has been serialised in the Daily Mail.

When asked at the beginning of the interview why he had written the book, Mr Lownie said: “There was a strong story there, especially with Andrew being in the news over [Jeffrey] Epstein — but what really interested me was how they leveraged their royal status for private gain, and the damage that did to the monarchy.”

But the author was then questioned on the reliability of his sources, with Mr Rees-Mogg accusing him of predominantly using newspaper reports.

During the interview, Mr Rees-Mogg asked Mr Lownie about a claim made in his book regarding the duke allegedly hiring an escort. He asked the author if his source, quoted as “the comedian Katy Brand has a story from a friend”, was sound.

“Sometimes, that is all we have,” Lownie said, to which Mr Rees-Mogg replied: That’s my point. You’ve got salacious gossip, starting with an unfounded allegation against Prince Philip. Would you have written it while he was alive and could have sued you for libel? You’re making sleazy claims without solid evidence.”

The author defended his sources, highlighting that he had interviewed 300 people, including on-the-record diplomats, naval personnel, and special royal representatives.

At the end of the heated exchange, Mr Rees-Mogg thanked the author for his “hatchet job”.

Extracts of the book have grabbed headlines in recent days, with a series of claims made about the duke and duchess and their relationships to the royal family.

The book has claimed Prince Andrew called a staff member in the Royal Household a “f***ing imbecile” for not referring to the Queen Mother by her full title in 2005.

According to the book, Prince Andrew’s catchphrase when dealing with royal staff was “I want this done and I want this done now. Do it!”

Mr Lownie also claims in his book that the relationship between the Duke of York and his younger nephews, William and Harry, was “problematic”.

The Duke of York is alleged to have accused Prince Harry of going “bonkers” for marrying Megan Markle.

However, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told The Daily Telegraph that Prince Andrew did not “ever make the comments he is alleged to have made about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry”.

The spokesperson also denied the book’s claim that the pair had ever gotten into a physical fight.

Apollo 13 hero James Lovell dies aged 97

James Lovell, the legendary NASA astronaut and heroic commander of Apollo 13 who masterfully guided his crew through one of the most dangerous moments in space exploration history, has died, NASA confirmed on Friday.

The 97-year-old American icon, known for delivering the infamous “Houston, we’ve had a problem” line during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, passed away Thursday in Lake Forest, Illinois.

“Lovell’s life and work inspired millions,” NASA said in a statement. “His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyond—a journey that continues today.”

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy also paid tribute to the late astronaut, saying Lovell’s “life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.”

“He embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always,” Duffy added on his personal X account.

Lovell is perhaps best known for commanding the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. What was meant to be the third Moon landing turned into a tense rescue mission after an oxygen tank explosion damaged the spacecraft. Lovell and his crew, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, worked closely with NASA’s Mission Control to safely return to Earth, demonstrating extraordinary calm and leadership under pressure. This mission was later immortalized in the 1995 film Apollo 13, in which Tom Hanks portrayed Lovell, who also made a cameo appearance.

The failed mission had a lasting impact on Lovell, who said in 1999, per the Associated Press, “I don’t worry about crises any longer.” Whenever he had a problem, he was reported to have said: “I could have been gone back in 1970. I’m still here. I’m still breathing.”

After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1973, Lovell transitioned to a successful business career and co-authored the book Lost Moon, which detailed the Apollo 13 mission and inspired the movie adaptation.

Lovell was recognized for his contributions to space exploration, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and 1970 and being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1993.

Lovell was disappointed he never got to walk on the moon, something commented on by President Bill Clinton as he awarded him the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1995. “While you may have lost the moon … you gained something that is far more important perhaps: the abiding respect and gratitude of the American people,” Clinton said.

Lovell later admitted that the mission’s failure brought him greater fame than a successful Apollo 13 landing would have.

“The mission itself and the fact that we triumphed over a certain catastrophe does give me a deep sense of satisfaction,” he once said, according to AP. “Going to the moon, if everything works right, it’s like following a cookbook. It’s not that big a deal. If something goes wrong, that’s what separates the men from the boys,” he added in 2004.

Born in 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, Lovell grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From an early age, he was fascinated by aviation and space, which inspired him to pursue a career in the Navy.

After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, Lovell became a naval aviator and later a test pilot. His dedication and skill eventually led to his selection by NASA in 1962 as part of its second group of astronauts, often called the “New Nine.”

Lovell’s NASA career was marked by several important space missions. He first flew in space as the pilot of Gemini 7 in 1965, a mission that set a then-record for the longest manned spaceflight at nearly 14 days.

He then commanded Gemini 12 in 1966, where he and Buzz Aldrin successfully completed critical spacewalks that helped perfect techniques needed for future Apollo missions.

In 1968, Lovell served as the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the Moon, which was a historic milestone for NASA and mankind, and a pivotal step in the Space Race.

Tributes soared in quickly after the news of Lovell’s death. Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino called Lovell his “hero”.

“I am so sad to hear about the passing of my hero Jim Lovell,” he said.

“He was a great role model not only as an astronaut, but also as a person who exemplified a life well lived – both professionally and personally. He will be missed by many, Godspeed my friend.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine added: “Fran and I are saddened to learn about the death of US Astronaut Jim Lovell. Born in Cleveland, Jim was a true American hero. His bravery during the Apollo 13 mission captured the attention of the world and reminded us of the importance of teamwork and hope in the face of adversity. We extend our sincere condolences to the Lovell family.”

Lovell married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, in 1952. The pair was married for 71 years until Marilyn’s death from natural causes in 2023. She was 93.

The pair had four children: Barbara, 71, James “Jay,” 70, Susan, 67, and Jeffrey, 59.

Nicola Sturgeon says police investigation ‘was like mental torture’

Nicola Sturgeon has opened up about her arrest, describing how the police investigation was like “mental torture” and she thought about disappearing into the North Sea.

In an excerpt of her new memoir, Frankly, published by The Times, the former first minister of Scotland spoke about some of the hardest moments of her life, as well as conflicted feelings over motherhood and sexuality.

Being arrested and questioned by the police following the arrest of her ex-husband and the Scottish National Party (SNP) treasurer was the “worst day of my life”, she wrote.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive officer of the SNP, was arrested in 2023 and later charged with embezzlement, after his and Ms Sturgeon’s home was searched by police looking into what happened to £660,000 of donations to the party.

Police also investigated Colin Beattie and Ms Sturgeon but they were later exonerated.

The arrests, Ms Sturgeon said, made her feel like she “had fallen into the plot of a dystopian novel”.

She said she barely slept during the period leading up to her arrest and would wake with her stomach in knots.

She described June 11, the date she was arrested and questioned, as the “worst day of my life” but added she was partly relieved that her wait was over.

Following her questioning, she went to visit a friend in the north east of Scotland for a week to escape the media glare.

She wrote: “I spent hours, looking out across the North Sea. At first, I wanted to somehow disappear into its vastness.

“Slowly but surely, though, the sea calmed me.”

But alongside her darker moments was one of her proudest achievements, she said – passing her driving test at the age of 53.

Ms Sturgeon told how she carried a sense of “dread and anxiety” for a year, during which nothing happened, until April 2024, when Mr Murrell was re-arrested and charged.

But the probe into Ms Sturgeon continued and she admitted she was frightened about the investigation even though she knew she had “done nothing wrong”.

And she said: “I retain both faith in and respect for our country’s criminal justice system. However, none of that changes this fact: being the subject of a high-profile criminal investigation for almost two years, especially having committed no crime, was like a form of mental torture.”

She wrote of an “overwhelming” sense of relief and release upon being told she would face no further action on March 20, 2025.

Ms Sturgeon also opens up about her miscarriage in 2010, saying she went to work in January while she was in “constant agony”, including a memorial event for the 40th anniversary of the Ibrox disaster.

And she addressed rumours of her “torrid lesbian affair” around 2020 with Catherine Colonna, who was French ambassador to the UK at the time, and false rumours perpetuated about her issuing a super-injunction to silence the press.

She concludes: “However, while the fact I was being lied about got under my skin, the nature of the insult itself was water off a duck’s back.

“Long-term relationships with men have accounted for more than 30 years of my life, but I have never considered sexuality, my own included, to be binary. Moreover, sexual relationships should be private matters.”

Frankly by Nicola Sturgeon will be published on Thursday.

Ham sold in Tesco and M&S found to contain cancer-causing chemicals

Ham and bacon sold in UK supermarkets still contain cancer-causing chemicals almost 10 years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned about the dangers of using it in processed meats.

Supermarkets including Tesco and Marks & Spenser have been found to sell meats containing nitrite, according to a recent study that found all 21 products tested in a laboratory contained the chemical.

Wiltshire ham was found to have the highest concentrations of nitrites, according to analysis that compared it to cooked ham and unsmoked bacon.

Almost 33 milligrams of nitrites per kilogram was found in Tesco’s Wiltshire ham. That’s 11 times that amount in its cooked ham (2.88mg/kg) and almost four times the in its unsmoked bacon (8.64mg/kg). It was also almost 18 times the found in Morrisons’s bacon (1.84mg/kg).

Wiltshire ham products sold by M&S contained 28.6 mg/kg, at Sainsbury’s 21.1mg/kg and Morrisons 19.2mg/kg – which are all considered to be high levels. But at Asda the Wiltshire ham contained lower levels at 8mg/kg.

However, the analysis, commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites and undertaken by Food Science Fusion and the laboratory experts Rejuvetech, found the levels of nitrites in all 21 products were well below the 150mg/kg legal limit.

Eating processed meat, such as ham, bacon and sausages which contain nitrites increases the risk of bowel cancer according to health experts.

Cancer Research UK estimates about 13 per cent of the 44,100 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year in the UK are linked to eating processed meat.

In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic, based on the evidence that it causes cancer.

Nitrites are a crucial ingredient in meat curing, they provide colour, flavour and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. But there are now alternatives available that are less harmful.

Ruth Dolby, Food Science Fusion Director, told the Independent: “The levels of Nitrites are moving down, but they are not being 100 per cent removed.”

“Nitrites were originally used as the most effective preservatives from a food safety perspective. There are legal upper limits, but no legal lower limits.

“Food Science research and understanding has taken great leaps in the last 20 years, we now know that there are alternative, natural, equally effective ingredients that have less negative impact on the human body and the environment, especially the water courses.”

Wiltshire ham in particular contains high levels of the chemical because during the productions process the pork is injected with nitrates and soaked in a bath of brine and nitrites. This gives it its red colour and prevent the growth of bacteria. At that point a chemical reaction occurs, which turns nitrates into nitrites.

A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, told the Guardian: “It’s nearly a full decade since the WHO classified nitrite-cured processed meats as a group one carcinogen, and it is disappointing and alarming that we continue to see products on sale containing high levels of nitrites.”

They added: “Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks.”

Tesco’s has said its Wiltshire ham contains levels of nitrites significantly lower than the legal limits allowed in the UK and EU.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We follow all UK and EU requirements, alongside guidance from the UK Food Standards Agency, to ensure we get the right balance of improving the shelf life and safety of our products with limited use of additives. The nitrites levels in all of our products, including our traditionally cured Finest Wiltshire ham, fall significantly below the legal limits in the UK and EU.

“We work closely with our suppliers to make sure that all additives including nitrites are only used when necessary and we are committed to clear labelling for all our products so customers can check product ingredients lists to see which products contain additives such as nitrites.

“Nitrates and nitrites are an important part of the curing process for some meats and they are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause serious food poisoning.”

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said:“Food safety is paramount to our members and they implement strict policies with their suppliers to ensure all products comply with UK food legislation. Additives such as nitrites are controlled, and their use is regularly monitored by the food safety authorities”

M&S, Sainsbury’s and Asda have all been approached for a comment.

Off the beaten track: discover ten British hidden gem destinations

While big cities and buzzy coastal destinations have their place, sometimes it’s nice to explore somewhere a little more under the radar, and Britain has lots of travel treasures to discover. From overlooked cities with a burgeoning cultural scene, vibrant market towns and revitalised seaside resorts, there’s somewhere to satisfy every type of traveller. The best part? You can reach many of these hidden gems easily by rail.

Travelling by train is a convenient, fun and greener way to arrive at your destination. Railcard offers a third off rail travel around Britain. With nine Railcards to choose from, saving customers an average of £172 a year, it pays for itself in no time. Find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, Railcard have created a handy online calculator to determine what you could save – simply enter your journey details and the relevant Railcard and it will calculate the discount you can get.

Read on for some fresh travel inspiration and get ready for a season of discovery…

A working fishing port on Cornwall’s south coast, Looe is one of the most idyllic destinations in the UK and famous for its day-caught fish. If it looks familiar, it might be because it was used as a filming location for BBC drama Beyond Paradise. The scenic Looe Valley train line has been bringing visitors to this part of the world since Victorian times. Formerly two independent towns, East and West Looe, they are now joined across the river by a bridge. East Looe beach is a picture-perfect location where you can enjoy swimming, crabbing along the harbour walls, and explore the uniquely shaped Banjo pier. A boat trip takes you to Looe Island, a wildlife sanctuary where you can see grey seals sunbathing on the rocks. Back on dry land, the town’s narrow winding streets are perfect for a gentle meander.

Nearest station: Looe, about a 10 minute walk to town

This trendy Somerset town is known for its strong community spirit, award winning markets and independent shops and restaurants – plus stunning surrounding countryside – making it the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. The Cheese and Grain is a cultural hub for the town, attracting both classic bands and buzzy new acts (The Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney have played Glastonbury warm-up gigs here), as well as hosting a weekly flea market. Talking of markets, Frome has plenty, including an award-winning farmer’s market on the second Saturday of each month, and the legendary Frome Independent on the first Sunday of every month, which showcases the best craftspeople, designers, food producers and vintage traders in the South West. Hungry? There’s loads of tempting options, from trendy street food destination The Station, neighbourhood restaurants like Little Walcot and Bistro Lotte and buzzy tapas bar The High Pavement.

Nearest station: Frome, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

Fast becoming Kent’s buzziest seaside destination, a vibrant Old Town, a great culinary scene and a glorious sandy beach are just a few of the things that make Folkestone great for a weekend break. The Leas, a mile-long stretch of clifftop promenade, is as perfect a place for a stroll now as it was in Victorian times. Meanwhile the town’s harbour arm is enjoying a new lease of life as the place to go for delicious street food, independent galleries and quirky shops. Food-wise, there’s everything from destination restaurant Rocksalt (try and snag a spot on the terrace) to acclaimed seafood stall Chummys. The town has the largest outdoor urban collection of contemporary art in the UK, so look out for pieces like Cornelia Parker’s ‘The Folkestone Mermaid’ on Sunny Sands beach and Anthony Gormley’s eerie statue under the harbour arm. If you’re in town between July and October the streets will come alive with artwork thanks to the triennale festival.

Nearest station: Folkestone Central, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

This vibrant Devon market town is picture-perfect, with a riverside location, colourful houses and a castle looming over the town. The steep climb up to Totnes Castle is worth it for the views of the town below – as well as over the dramatic Dartmoor countryside. The River Dart runs through the town, and is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or just a gentle riverside stroll. Take a 30 minute walk to Dartington Estate, to see its stunning Grade II* listed gardens, deer park and cinema in a 14th century barn. Totnes itself has a thriving arts scene with plenty of small galleries, as well as independent and eco-friendly (Totnes prides itself on being one of Britain’s greenest towns) shops and cafes. And if the train ride down gave you a taste for locomotives, the South Devon Railway offers steam train rides through the gorgeous Devon countryside.

Nearest station: Totnes, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

Bradford is the 2025 City of Culture, meaning there’s lots of exciting things happening this year, including the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum, with its multiple exhibition spaces and cinema screens. Loading Bay is a pop-up arts venue in a disused storage depot that will host music, comedy, art exhibitions and immersive theatre shows throughout 2025. And in July a brand new shopping and cultural destination, Darley Street Market, opened in the city.

Bradford is also a great base to explore some of West Yorkshire’s other highlights, including Victorian model village (and UNESCO World Heritage site) Saltaire, which is less than 15 minutes away by train. Salts Mill, the huge textile factory around which the village was designed, is now a fantastic complex of galleries, shops and restaurants – and home to a large collection of David Hockey’s work. Meanwhile at Keighley, a 20 minute journey from Bradford, you can catch a performance of The Railway Children (15 July – 7 Sept) on the same tracks where the classic film was shot.

Nearest Station: Bradford Forster Square or Bradford Interchange, in the city centre

If not under the radar then certainly underrated, this charming Welsh seaside town has loads to offer visitors, blending natural beauty with a rich history and a vibrant creative energy. Surrounded by the stunning Cambrian mountain range, the town has not one but two glorious beaches, linked by a mile-long promenade. At the northern end of this you’ll find the famous cliff top railway, which takes you up to a summit with spectacular views of Cardigan Bay. Perched on a hill in an impressive building, The National Library of Wales also has great vistas – and exhibitions dedicated to Welsh history and literature. Aberystwyth Arts Centre is the largest of its kind in Wales, presenting a programme of music, visual art, dance, film and more. Aber – as locals call it – also has a burgeoning food scene, with highlights including Arabic Flavour, whose menu is inspired by Lebanon and Greece cuisine, and popular tapas and wine bar Ultracomida.

Nearest station: Aberystwyth, about a five minute walk to the town centre

This underrated city is undergoing something of a cultural renaissance. In 2021 it was the City of Culture and there’s plenty of that to soak up. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum has displays dedicated to visual arts, archaeology, social history and natural history – and a dinosaur in residence, Dippy, on loan from The Natural History Museum. Coventry Music Museum celebrates the city’s musical heritage, including the legendary 2-Tone scene, while Coventry Transport Museum (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail Days Out Guide) has the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. Meanwhile, the former industrial space FarGo village is a must-visit hub of indie shops, restaurants, street food and cultural events. Finally, no visit is complete without seeing Coventry Cathedral. The original medieval building was largely destroyed in 1940 by The Blitz, and its preserved ruins now sit alongside the new cathedral – a marvel of contemporary architecture designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962. The modern building has a stunning 26-metre high stained glass window made up of 198 glass panels — no wonder it was once voted the nation’s favourite 20th century building.

Nearest station: Coventry, about a 10 minute walk to the city centre

Home to cobbled streets, an impressive cathedral and a beautiful castle, Lincoln combines a rich history with a vibrant cultural scene and stunning surrounding scenery, all in a compact and easy-to-navigate city. The nearly 1,000 year old Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world, and while it might no longer hold that accolade it’s still an awe inspiring work of architecture. From there it’s only a short walk to the castle, built by William The Conqueror, which holds one of only four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Steep Hill is, as the name suggests, a famous street with a sharp incline – but its array of shops and cafes make it worth the effort. It’s also where you’ll find beloved pie shop Hobbsons, where the only issue is deciding which flavour to pick. If you need to walk off your lunch, Lincoln Arboretum, nestled in the heart of the city, is a delightful place for a stroll.

Nearest station: Lincoln Central, about a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral

Often overlooked in favour of its better-known Scottish cousins, there are plenty of things to see and do in this historic city. Stirling Castle (get 25% off entry with National Rail Days Out Guide), the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most historically important in Scotland, while Bannockburn (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail), two miles south of the city, is the site of one of the country’s most famous battles, won by Robert The Bruce. Then there’s the Wallace Monument, which towers over the city, commemorating the life of local hero William Wallace. It’s a short bus ride or hour’s walk from the station, plus a 246-step winding staircase to reach the top – but the views are well worth the effort. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Gallery has a large collection of rare and interesting artifacts – including the world’s oldest football (made from a pig’s bladder). In Stirling’s cobbled Old Town you’ll find plenty of cosy pubs, cool cafes and quirky shops to explore, and for a family-friendly attraction, Blair Drummond Safari Park is a half hour bus ride from the city centre.

Nearest station: Stirling, in the city centre

Nestled in the scenic Shropshire Hills is this beautiful market town known for its history, food scene, and stunning landscapes. Boasting fascinating medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and surrounding forests, Ludlow offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Ludlow Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the best examples of medieval ruins in England and has incredible vistas over the Shropshire countryside. You can also enjoy fine views from the tower of Saint Laurence’s Church, once you’ve climbed the 201 steps to the top. To get away from the crowds, a four-mile circular walk will take you to peaceful Mortimer Forest and back. Meanwhile Ludlow itself is full of antique, interior, craft and gift shops, as well as delis, cafes and artisan food shops. The town square hosts a market four days a week, with a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The famous Ludlow Farmshop, two miles outside the centre, is a haven for foodies, with a kitchen restaurant, pub and distillery also on site.

Nearest station: Ludlow, about a five minute walk to the town centre

Enjoy great value British adventures by train

From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there’s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there’s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.

With Railcard, whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, on a couples weekend or off on holiday with the family, you can save on all sorts of train journeys around Great Britain. Railcard helps you save a third off rail travel and for just £35 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With nine different Railcards available, find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, you can enjoy 2FOR1 and other offers with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train. So make this your year to get out, experience and explore everything on your doorstep and enjoy truly great value getaways.

Rushanara Ali’s eviction is Labour’s latest self-inflicted shambles

There are times when a government resignation may feel unfair – when a minister has carried the can for a mistake not entirely of their own making. And there are times when a resignation may command respect – when a minister decides that they cannot, in all conscience, support a particular government policy. Neither applies to the resignation on Thursday evening of Rushanara Ali, the minister for homelessness.

Ali was caught bang to rights for conduct as a private landlord that flew in the face of her ministerial brief for addressing homelessness, and of specific reforms she was introducing as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill that is currently completing its passage through parliament. She was found to have given tenants of a four-bedroom townhouse she owned in London’s east end notice to quit, only to relist the £850,000 property a little later at a rent £700 a month higher.

Under the legislation as it stands, there is no illegality here. She gave her tenants due notice, the house was put up for sale, and relisted for letting – at an increased monthly cost of £4,000 – only when it did not immediately sell.

But this is precisely one of those practices that currently places renters at such a disadvantage vis-a-vis landlords. Labour’s new legislation will require a gap of at least six months between removing tenants and re-advertising the tenancy at a higher price. The point is that even if there was no actual breach of the law on Ali’s part, there was a glaring clash of standards and more than a whiff of hypocrisy.

Here was the homelessness minister, renting out an expensive London house, seeing off her tenants, and seeking a £700-a-month rise in rent. It is not good enough to say, well, that’s just the London rental market for you, that is how it works. By virtue of her ministerial position, Ali was not just another London landlord. And the mismatch between her fortunate position in the housing market and her ministerial duty to improve the lot of those without any home to go to was stark.

Homelessness and the acute shortage of affordable housing, especially but not exclusively in and around London, is one of today’s most pressing social issues, and one that this government has set as a priority. Figures from March this year showed more than 130,000 people in England living in temporary accommodation – a record – and rough sleeping also showing a sharp rise. Few would suggest that Ali should be donating her house to homeless people rather than letting it at a commercial rate, but her lack of awareness is striking. With no apparent sensitivity about the intersection of her private and public lives, it could be argued that she was at the very least in the wrong job.

Whether she jumped or was pushed after the revelations hardly matters. This is a situation that should never have arisen and it can only add to the entirely avoidable harm that this Labour government has inflicted on itself.

Sleaze and a widespread perception of double standards was a big – and possibly fatal – liability for the Conservatives in the last election. And when Labour cruised to its landslide, there was an enthusiastic welcome for a government that, it was hoped, would exercise power with the cleanest of hands. Such expectations, however, were soon dashed.

Along came the procession of claims about lavish freebies from donors enjoyed by leading members of the new front bench, from designer clothes to weekends in New York and tickets to shows. Reports about Angela Rayner buying her council house under the Right to Buy scheme hardly helped. Again, this was not because there was anything illegal, but because of the dissonance it exposed between her own actions in the past and the policy she espouses in government, which is to impose sharp limits on sales of social housing.

The disillusionment that rapidly set in only reinforced an already widespread distrust in politicians and fuelled a view that “this lot” were no better than the last. And while it would be quite wrong to tar all, or even most, politicians with the brush of being self-seeking money-grubbers intent on feathering their own nests, instances where MPs can claim large amounts for their housing, heating and other costs from the taxpayer, even as they may be letting out homes they own and snagging freebies, do the reputation of government and parliament no favours.

In the case of Rushanara Ali, there is another, party political aspect. She won her east London seat of Bethnal Green and Stepney last year with a majority of only a little over 1,000. Given current trends in UK politics, her seat is highly vulnerable to challenges, most likely from an independent – probably Jeremy Corbyn’s new Your Party. In this respect, what has happened has the potential to inflict a triple whammy of damage on the Labour government.

It weakens its claim to be the champion of the homeless and those generally in housing need. It reinforces the idea that Labour is no better than the Tories when it comes to sleaze and self-interest – and it could make it even harder for Ali to retain her seat at the next general election, so increasing the risk for Labour of seeing its 2024 landslide turned to defeat in 2029.

EuroMillions numbers revealed for £172m jackpot

One lucky ticketholder could have just won a “jaw-dropping” sum of money in Friday’s EuroMillions lottery.

The jackpot reached an estimated £172 million after Tuesday’s top prize went unclaimed.

Friday’s National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are 2, 12, 19, 34 and 44. The lucky stars are 6 and 10.

Meanwhile, Friday’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are 3, 5, 9, 32 and 33. The thunderball is 12.

And one UK millionaire has been created in the millionaire maker selection: ZJMQ51115.

Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at National Lottery operator Allwyn, called Friday’s potential jackpot “jaw-dropping”.

He said: “A single UK winner of this jaw-dropping prize would make National Lottery history, coming in as the fourth biggest National Lottery winner of all time, and it would also be the 20th win of over £100 million since The National Lottery began.”

While no one matched the jackpot on Tuesday, two UK players came close – each winning £192,769 for matching five numbers and one lucky star.

It comes after a single ticketholder became the biggest ever EuroMillions lottery winner in the UK and Ireland in June.

The jackpot of £208m was the largest prize the EuroMillions has ever seen, and was scooped up by a lucky player in Ireland, who purchased the ticket in a retail outlet in Co Cork.

Meanwhile, a single father who has battled bowel cancer captured the touching moment he told his son he had won £1 million on the lottery, with the pair hugging and jumping excitedly around the kitchen in the video.

Paul Harvey, of Attleborough, Norfolk, said on Thursday that he wants to treat his two teenage children to their first foreign holiday together – to Greece.

The 51-year-old, full-time dad, who has had an unsettling two years following treatment for bowel cancer, also plans to buy a Fiat 500 for his daughter who is learning to drive.

“Life hasn’t always been easy, but the kids mean the world to me, and they always come first,” he said.