Latest news with #Embankment


Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mariah Carey's astronomical hotel fee REVEALED as R&B diva stays at lavish London Corinthia following her performance at Brighton Pride
is reportedly paying over £250,000 for her hotel stay during her time in the UK. The hitmaker, 56, headlined Brighton Pride over the weekend after arriving on her private jet earlier in the week. And now The Sun has revealed she is staying at one of the top-floor suites at the Corinthia hotel on London's Embankment. Featuring a large terrace, wine cellar, private spa and living room lit with a real fire, the room costs around £20,000 per night. A source told the publication: 'She blocked out two weeks in the best suite. It's only the best for Mariah. 'Her royal gig is a huge deal, so naturally she is living like a queen.' Daily Mail have contacted Mariah's representatives for comment. After performing in Brighton last weekend, Mariah is taking to the stage at Sandringham's royal estate as part of the Heritage Live's large outdoor music concerts on August 15. And it seems Mariah is one of the Corinthia's best guests after Beyoncé reportedly 'bowed down' to the singer in June and 'packed up her £25k-a-night London penthouse for the diva songstress to move in.' The Single Ladies singer, 43, had booked a 12-night stay at the Corinthia while performing at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But she allegedly moved out at the weekend when self-confessed diva Mariah touched down to play at Capital's Summertime Ball on Sunday. A source told The Sun: 'Superstars as big as Beyonce and Mariah want to stay in only the best hotels. 'Beyonce had been staying in Corinthia's penthouses. 'But when Mariah flew in, Beyonce packed up so Mariah could take over her suites. It was like Beyonce was bowing down to another music queen.' Meanwhile last weekend Mariah wowed fans as she took to the stage for her much-anticipated headline slot at Brighton Pride. The singing superstar put on a leggy display in four figure-hugging outfits as she performed for an impressive two hours. Mariah glittered in a silver gradient dress that she paired with a diamanté pink jacket and silver boots before changing into a blue and turquoise number that kept her legs on full display. Her packed setlist included hits like Vision of Love and Heroes as she gave the long-awaited performance that was initially scheduled for 2020, but was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic. She later wrote on Instagram: 'Thank you so much Brighton Pride for having me tonight! A special heartfelt thank you to the LGBTQ + community for your ongoing support. 'I will always be there for you. Love, MC.' She took the opportunity to show her support for the trans community by embellishing her pink jacket with the phrase 'Protect the dolls'. Elsewhere in the performance, Mariah stunned in a more loosely fitted gold dress and thigh-high boots. She also changed into a longer black dress and open-toed glittery high heels for a more upmarket, glamorous look.


Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid on set of Harry Potter TV series as he strides past fast food restaurants to get the tube - and fans are already divided
Nick Frost was spotted striding past fast food restaurants as he filmed scenes as Hagrid for Harry Potter 's TV series this week. The actor and comedian, 53, was captured in full costume as shooting on the first season of the highly-anticipated adaption continues. Earlier this month bosses confirmed the show had gone into production with actor Dominic McLaughlin who plays Harry, posing with a clapperboard on set. A video posted to X, formerly Twitter, shows Nick as he sports long black locks as well as a bushy beard while playing the fan-favourite grounds keeper. Filming is believed to have taken place at Embankment in Central London, as Frost can be seen descending a staircase for the London Underground. Dominic was also spotted in the background of the clip, suggesting the pair had just filmed scenes together. However, the first look has left diehard Harry Potter fans divided as they flooded X with comments. One remarked: 'A bad version of Hagrid incoming and Nick playing well Nick.' A second said: 'Hagrid looks much better here than the original picture.' Meanwhile, a third fan posted: 'Thank God. I'm so happy that the character of Hagrid is doubling as a prosthetic/physical prop as well as the actor just like the original Hagrid was. The set photo of Nick Frost as Hagrid just looked really weird, but I am so glad that that is not going to be completely how he looks.' 'He is already struggling while walking in production of first season,' said a third. Robbie Coltrane, who died in 2022 at the age of 72, played the character in all eight of the original movies. Meanwhile, Nick was forced to switch off his Instagram comments when news of his casting was announced after he was trolled by trans activists. Distancing himself from Rowling's trans views, Nick told the Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine. They just don't align in any way, shape of form.' He is already struggling while walking in production of first season — Waseem (@waseemmehmood24) July 21, 2025 A video posted to X, formerly Twitter , shows Nick as he sports long black locks as well as a bushy beard while playing the fan-favourite grounds keeper British actor-comedian Nick Frost will play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, originally embodied by the late Robbie Coltrane The series is a reboot of J.K. Rowling 's seven-book series and is a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films Playing Harry's best friends are Arabella Stanton as Hermoine Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Additional cast members have also been revealed, with Rory Wilmot set to play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser - best known for his role as Qyburn in Game Of Thrones - as Garrick Ollivander. It comes as Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby were announced the Mr and Mrs Dursley earlier this summer. Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman. BAFTA-winning actor Daniel Rigby, 42, will play her husband Vernon Dursley, though it's yet to be revealed who will play their son English actress Bel Powel has reportedly signed up to play Petunia Dursley in the TV adaption after shooting to fame in 2015 Johnny Flynn, 42, will play Draco Malfoy's dad Lucius - who was played by Jason Isaacs in the movie Emmy-nominated actress Janet McTeer (left) will take over from the late Maggie Smith (right) as Professor McGonagall in the highly-anticipated HBO adaptation John Lithgow (left) was been picked to play the new Professor Albus Dumbledore, a role originally played by Michael Gambon in the last six of eight Harry Potter films It was confirmed earlier this year that Essiedu (left), an acclaimed English actor who is of Ghanaian descent, would star in HBO 's new Harry Potter series as Hogwarts professor Snape, a role originated by the late Alan Rickman (right), a white man Johnny Flynn, 42, will play Draco Malfoy's dad Lucius - who was played by Jason Isaacs in the movie. Emmy winner John Lithgow has also signed on the dotted line to play Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. It was also revealed that Katherine Parkinson, 47, will be playing Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny's mum Molly Weasley. The HBO TV show is said to be costing £75million per episode - and the three child actors taking the lead roles have been tipped to land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kitten litter found by city litter pickers
Volunteer litter pickers got more than they bargained for when they found a box with six kittens inside. The tiny creatures were discovered abandoned and alone on a path near Peterborough's Embankment area on Thursday by Peterborough Litter Wombles. The group immediately called a local cat rescue charity which came along to collect them. The charity said the kittens were in good health and were being cared for by fosterers before they would be rehomed. The Wombles group had been clearing litter from Bishops Road to the Embankment in the city when they came across the kittens. Group member Harry Machin said it was "certainly the most unusual litter we have found for quite a while". The kittens - four of which were grey and white, and two of which were black - had probably not been in the box very long, a spokesperson from the cat charity said. Food had been left in the box and there were no signs of flies or excrement, or evidence the kittens had been trying to claw their way out. The healthy kittens will be placed for adoption when they are old enough, the charity said. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'Adult toys, machetes - litter wombles find it all' Litter Wombles to launch deposit return scheme Anti-litter 'Wombles' attend summit in Parliament Peterborough Litter Wombles


BBC News
08-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Peterborough kitten litter found by city litter pickers
Volunteer litter pickers got more than they bargained for when they found a box with six kittens tiny creatures were discovered abandoned and alone on a path near Peterborough's Embankment area on Thursday by Peterborough Litter group immediately called a local cat rescue charity which came along to collect charity said the kittens were in good health and were being cared for by fosterers before they would be rehomed. The Wombles group had been clearing litter from Bishops Road to the Embankment in the city when they came across the member Harry Machin said it was "certainly the most unusual litter we have found for quite a while".The kittens - four of which were grey and white, and two of which were black - had probably not been in the box very long, a spokesperson from the cat charity had been left in the box and there were no signs of flies or excrement, or evidence the kittens had been trying to claw their way healthy kittens will be placed for adoption when they are old enough, the charity said. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


NDTV
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Literary Journeys Are Changing The Way We Travel: 10 Bucket-List Destinations Inspired By Famous Novels
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Explore 10 real-life destinations that inspired iconic novels, from Sherlock Holmes' London to Harry Potter's Edinburgh. Experience the charm of Verona, the beauty of Prince Edward Island, and the allure of Paris, each steeped in literary history. Some books don't just tell a story — they make you feel like you've actually been somewhere. You can almost smell the rain-soaked streets of Victorian London, feel the sun on a Tuscan hillside, or hear the buzz of 1920s New York. That's the power of a great setting. And in some cases, those spots exist off the page, too. Literary travel isn't about chasing fictional ghosts — it's about connecting with the unique places that sparked a writer's imagination. From classic novels to pop-culture giants, here are 10 real-life holiday destinations tied to some of the most iconic works of fiction ever written. Here Are 10 Best Holiday Destinations That Inspired The World's Most Famous Novels: 1. London, England — Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle London isn't just a backdrop for Sherlock Holme s — it's practically a supporting character. From the foggy lanes of Baker Street to the gas-lit alleys of Soho, Holmes' world is alive in today's capital. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at the iconic 221B, browse first editions at Daunt Books, or follow Holmes-themed walking tours that trace his adventures across landmarks like the Royal Opera House and the Embankment. The original stories, first published in The Strand magazine in the late 19th century, changed the detective genre forever — and turned Victorian London into a place of cunning intellect and sinister charm. Even now, it feels oddly fitting to read Holmes on the Tube, glancing up suspiciously at fellow passengers. 2. Paris, France — The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown Say what you will about The Da Vinci Code, but Dan Brown didn't just write a thriller — he redefined Paris tourism for a whole new generation. The novel's dizzying mix of art history and conspiracy theories weaves through some of the city's most iconic locations, from the Louvre Museum to Saint-Sulpice Church and beyond. Sure, it's heavy on the melodrama, but the thrill of standing in front of the Mona Lisa, knowing Robert Langdon sprinted past the same spot, is undeniable. Plus, Paris is never a bad idea — especially when layered with riddles, cryptic symbols, and a side of espresso. 3. Tokyo, Japan — Norwegian Woo d by Haruki Murakami Murakami's melancholic coming-of-age novel is steeped in 1960s Tokyo, even if much of the story unfolds in memory. The city has changed, but places like Yoyogi Park, Waseda University, and Shinjuku still echo the emotional isolation and beauty of Norwegian Wood. Murakami rarely names locations directly, but the atmosphere of Tokyo — its quiet corners, rainy afternoons, and neon-soaked nights — is in every line. It's modern literary travel: Subtle, emotional, and deeply personal. 4. Verona, Italy — Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Shakespeare probably never set foot in Verona, but that hasn't stopped the city from embracing Romeo and Juliet with full romantic fervour. The Casa di Giulietta, with its famous balcony and a bronze statue of Juliet, draws thousands of visitors annually. Letters to Juliet-real ones, asking for love advice-are still delivered here, and a team of volunteers replies to them, just like in the film. The city itself, with its terracotta rooftops, winding lanes and Roman amphitheatre, feels like a sonnet come to life. Sure, it's touristy-but also surprisingly moving. 5. Prince Edward Island, Canada — Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Few books have put a place on the map quite like Anne of Green Gables. The windswept fields, red cliffs, and sleepy villages of Prince Edward Island are more than a setting — they're practically a character. L.M. Montgomery based Avonlea on her own hometown of Cavendish, and fans can now visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the Anne of Green Gables Museum, and even stay at themed B&Bs. Whether you grew up with Anne's stories or discovered them later, visiting PEI is like stepping into a gentler, more poetic version of the world. Bonus: The seafood is outstanding. 6. New York, USA — The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Gatsby's parties might have been fictional, but they had very real inspiration. Fitzgerald based East and West Egg on Long Island's Gold Coast, where mansions still line the water. New York City itself — the backdrop to Gatsby's rise and Daisy's distraction — was the epicentre of Roaring Twenties glamour. Today, you can sip cocktails in Gatsby-style jazz clubs, stroll through Central Park in vintage attire, or visit the Plaza Hotel, where one of the novel's most dramatic scenes unfolds. It's all opulence, ambition, and aching nostalgia — just like the book. 7. Salzburg, Austria — The Sound of Music (based on Maria von Trapp's memoirs) While best known as a musical, The Sound of Music is rooted in real events-and real places. Maria von Trapp's memoir inspired the story, and Salzburg has embraced its role in the world's collective imagination. You can join a Sound of Music tour (yes, they sing on the bus), visit the Mirabell Gardens, or even hike up the hills that were, quite literally, alive with music. It's kitschy. It's touristy. And it's completely wonderful — especially if you grew up watching Julie Andrews twirl in Technicolor. 8. Edinburgh, Scotland — Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling Edinburgh is where J K Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter, scribbling early drafts in cafes like The Elephant House and Spoon. Fans flock to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where gravestones bear names like "McGonagall" and "Riddle". But even beyond Potter, the city has serious literary chops. It's home to the Scottish Storytelling Centre, hosts the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and was the world's first UNESCO City of Literature. Rowling also drew heavily from the grandeur of the Oxford University in England and its centuries-old traditions, and several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot here. If Hogwarts had a twin, it would be here — hidden behind ancient stone walls and spiral staircases. 9. Bath, England — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Although most of Pride and Prejudice unfolds in the English countryside, Bath was a pivotal place in Austen's life and several of her novels. She lived there from 1801 to 1806, and the city's elegant Georgian architecture influenced Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austenites can visit the Jane Austen Centre, dress in Regency attire for the annual Jane Austen Festival, or stroll along Royal Crescent pretending they've just received a scandalous letter from Mr. Darcy. Bath is charming, walkable, and steeped in literary romance. 10. Barcelona, Spain — The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon If ever a novel made a love letter of its setting, it's this one. The Shadow of the Wind isn't just set in Barcelona — it's obsessed with it. Ruiz Zafon's gothic mystery captures the foggy alleys of the Barri Gotic, the grandeur of Passeig de Gracia, and the melancholy weight of post-war Spain. Many of the book's settings are real, and there's even a literary walking tour that follows the footsteps of protagonist Daniel. For fans, it's like being handed a map to the secret heart of the city.