Uncovering Albania's communist past
Forty years after the death of dictator Enver Hoxha, whose four-decade rule over Albania drove it into isolation and poverty, Qasa Alom explores how the country has changed.
In the capital Tirana he learns how a monument to the late dictator has been repurposed and redesigned for a new generation.
This video is from The Travel Show, the BBC's flagship travel programme.
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Edinburgh Reporter
11 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Michael Palin and Gordon Buchanan draw crowds to the Borders Book Festival
As The Borders Book Festival flings open its gates this week (Thursday 12th June) festival-goers are in exceptional company under canvas: renowned traveller, documentary maker, author and comedian Michael Palin recounts stories of adventure, family and change from his latest diaries. Also gifted natural history cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares the moving story of his life, including his troubled childhood and how nature ultimately helped him to heal. The four-day extravaganza of storytelling, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, takes place this weekend, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th June, in Melrose's Harmony Garden, in the Scottish Borders, and will include well-known names from the worlds of fiction, hit television shows, politics and current affairs, food and drink, plus a history programme honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children's favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys. For foodie fans there is Coinneach MacLeod – AKA The Hebridean Baker — and Channel 4's Suzanne Mulholland – AKA The Batch Lady. For fans of historical fiction, the book festival also sees the annual announcement, live on stage, of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted literary talents in the running for the £25,000 prize. Literary sensation Andrew O'Hagan will also be at the festival this year, as will crime-writing dazzlers Ian Rankin and Ambrose Parry. In this 80th year since the end of World War Two, the book festival is delighted to present an exclusive event, The Secret Listeners, telling the amazing story of Britain's Voluntary Interceptors, a highly secret group who monitored the coded radio traffic of German intelligence and sent what they heard to Bletchley Park, enabling the vital Ultra signals intelligence. Alistair Moffat c. Ryan Rutherford Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, these silent warriors on the Home Front all over Britain were not allowed to tell their story. Until now. Alistair Moffat will talk to Bruce McCartney, who has uncovered many of these extraordinary accounts, some from right here in the Borders. Festival Director, Alistair Moffat, said: 'We are delighted to be throwing open the glorious Harmony Garden again this year, and we have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home. 'From incredible stories of personal resilience, determination and courage to tales of wartime struggle that are so poignant and which demand to be told; from political insider gossip and speculation to serious discussion over the current state of our world and what might be next; from recollections of television and radio careers past to those very much still in full flow; there is something here for everybody. 'And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village — just in case! 'The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.' The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones. The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased. Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said; 'Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations. 'With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. 'Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.' Tickets available at or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability. Like this: Like Related
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Fan favourite Celebs Go Dating star lands huge new show after ‘stepping more into the limelight'
Channel 5 hopes to strike gold with their offering, which comes from the team behind Ross Kemp's documentaries BAGS OWN SHOW Fan favourite Celebs Go Dating star lands huge new show after 'stepping more into the limelight' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AFTER years behind the reception desk at the Celebs Go Dating agency, Tom Read Wilson has now been promoted. I can reveal he is finally stepping into the spotlight with a show of his own, called The Grand Tour With Tom Read Wilson. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Celebs Go Dating's Tom Read Wilson is stepping into the spotlight with a show of his own Credit: Rex 4 Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder won a Bafta earlier this year for their show Credit: PA The historical travelogue for Channel 5, which is currently in production, will follow a similar format to that of Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder's successful BBC show — which won the twosome a Bafta earlier this year. So Channel 5 hopes to strike gold with their offering, which comes from the team behind Ross Kemp's documentaries, and Josie Gibson's First Class Travel Show. A source revealed: 'The success of Rob and Rylan's series has proved that there's a healthy appetite from viewers for smart, entertaining and comedic journeys through history — and now Channel 5 want some of the pie. 'Tom has long been a big fan favourite on Celebs Go Dating, thanks to his dry wit and one- liners, so it makes sense for him to step more into the limelight. 'Famous landmarks' 'This new series, which will see Tom take on a solo presenting role, combines history and culture as he explores famous landmarks and delves into the stories behind these attractions. 'Filming has already begun and fans can expect to tune in later this year.' Tom first rose to fame as a contestant on ITV singing contest The Voice before finding a home on the E4 dating show. He also made his debut on Channel 5 last year, as presenter of The Christmas Taste Test, which saw him put brands to the test to uncover the best supermarket festive goodies. He has featured, too, in BBC cooking show Celebrity Best Home Cook, as a talking head on Channel 5 documentary Aldi Vs Lidl, and on Channel 4 gameshow Darling, What Have You Done To Your Hair? Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour took home won the Entertainment award at the Baftas last month, after fighting off competition from the likes of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out and the BBC's Race Across The World. Tom will now hope that when he hits the road, his Grand Tour will enjoy similar success with viewers. Christine McGuinness signs up for Celebs Go Dating as we reveal full line-up including pop legends & reality TV icons THE IT Crowd star Katherine Parkinson is to play Ron Weasley's mum Molly in the Harry Potter HBO TV series. In further casting, child star Lox Pratt will be Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn his dad Lucius. Filming will start soon, at London's Warner Bros Studios. AS series two of queer dating show I Kissed A Boy airs on BBC Three, it's been revealed spin-off I Kissed A Girl will also get a second run. The girls' show, the first of its kind in the UK, made its debut last year – after 2023's first season of I Kissed A Boy. 4 Dannii Minogue hosts I Kissed A Boy Credit: BBC It will return later this year with ten singles meeting for the first time with a kiss. Applications to take part are now open on the BBC Take Part website. Dannii Minogue, who hosts both the boys' and girls' shows, in TV house the Masseria in Italy, said: 'I Kissed A Girl [series one] was groundbreaking for female representation, and I can't wait for the return. 'Let's see what the Italian sun does for kisses and connections. 'I'm ready to be Cupid – get ready for Masseria mania.' KITCHEN queen Mary Berry struggled to help Alan Carr cook when he appeared on her BBC series Foolproof Dinners last year – but it's no secret the comic is NO chef. He proved as much on The Great British Bake Off's Stand Up To Cancer special in 2018 – two years after Mary quit as a judge – when he served up a disastrous tribute cake to children's TV show Rainbow . . . that was rock solid. 4 Alan Carr, Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding on Bake Off Now, he has revealed his bake was so bad, that after filming stopped on the Channel 4 show even production crew declined to take a bite, except for one particularly hungry cameraman. Chatting on his Life's A Beach podcast, with guest Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, Alan revealed: 'What people don't know is, they leave all the cakes at the back for the cast and crew to tuck in. 'Mine was intact.' Paul said of show leftovers: 'If I eat it, it all goes and savoury stuff tends to disappear first on set more than the desserts.' But he said of Alan's creation: 'It was bad. 'I've tried to delete it from my mind.'
Powys County Times
15 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Mid Wales railway to feature in BBC show with Ruth Jones
Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones visited a Mid Wales railway as part of an upcoming BBC documentary. Writer and actor Ruth Jones, best known for starring in and co-creating Gavin & Stacey, and comedian Steve Spiers took a trip on Brecon Mountain Railway, which will feature in a BBC One Wales documentary Ruth and Steve: From Merthyr with Love. The one-hour documentary will showcase the Welsh town's past and present, as well as a standout visit to the nearby railway through Mid Wales. As part of the documentary, Jones and Speirs spent a day immersed in the operations of the railway. They met volunteers and staff, examined restored steam locomotives, and gained an insight into the effort taken to run and operate the Brecon Mountain Railway. The segment underlines the line's role not just as a tourist attraction, but as a tribute and reminder of the region's industrial roots and community spirit. The programme forms part of a broader season on BBC Cymru Wales marking the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa Castle, exploring Merthyr's significance as the world's first industrial town and celebrating its ongoing cultural rejuvenation. Broadcast across four new shows on BBC One Wales, the series aims to challenge outdated perceptions and highlight the county borough's evolving identity. The railway was originally built in 1859 and constructed on part of the abandoned Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the 10-mile round journey takes travellers in all-weather observation coaches to let them admire the mountain views as the railway climbs to Torpantau before returning via Pontsticill Station. The Brecon Mountain Railway offers a stunning journey through the breath-taking Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park aboard meticulously restored steam locomotives.
