It’s a big year for Manchester Airport. As well as emerging from a decade-long £1.3 billion makeover, it’s got a slate of new routes that bring more choice to passengers than ever before.

The UK’s global gateway in the north already offers a network unparalleled outside London, with more than 200 destinations served by 50 airlines.

But that network is expanding further in 2026, with several new services confirmed from the likes of easyJet, Jet2and Ryanair.

Of most interest to Metro readers is likely to be Jet2’s inaugural route to Samos, which left Manchester for the first time on Friday, May 1.

The Greek island, which lies just off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its golden beaches and lush, mountainous landscape.

Like every part of Greece, Samos is steeped in history. The Ancient Greeks considered it to be one of the most spiritual places in the Mediterranean.

Beyond its low-key resorts and the lively capital, Vathy, there are off-the-beaten-track beaches and quiet spots in the forested inland mountains where traditional life continues.

Jet2 will operate twice-weekly services on Tuesday and Friday until the end of October.

The Manchester flight will be followed by one to Samos from Birmingham Airport on May 4, and another from London Stansted on May 7.

Elsewhere, Manchester Airport has announced a first-ever route to North Africa that bosses say will ‘make a huge difference to thousands of people’.

Algeria will soon be added to the list of more than 60 countries the airport offers direct flights to.

Air Algérie has announced a new twice-weekly service to the Algerian capital Algiers starting this summer, with the inaugural flight pencilled in for Sunday, June 14.

The airport said it would be the first ever direct flight from Manchester to Africa’s largest country.

Manchester will become the only UK airport outside of London with a direct link to Algiers.

And there’s never been a better time to visit.

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Lonely Planet included Algiers as one of its top off-the-beaten-track Mediterranean destinations for 2026.

Home to grand Roman ruins, historic cities and otherworldly landscapes, Algeria has all the ingredients for a classic bucket list adventure.

It’s just a short hop from Europe, with snow-flecked mountains and stunning coastline in the north, and surreal sand seas in the south.

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can go skiing in the mountains in the morning and hiking in the desert at night.

Travellers have previously been deterred by its famously complex visa system, but now, the ‘sleeping beauty’ of African tourism is finally waking up.

In recent years, Morocco has become popular with British holidaymakers.

But just two hours east lies comparatively undiscovered Algiers, the coastal capital known for its fascinating history, richly textured architecture and labyrinthine streets that spill down into the Bay.

We recommend a twin-city break that takes in Constantine, which featured in Metro’s places to visit for 2026.

Dubbed the ‘City of Bridges’, it is built across a deep gorge (a bit like Ronda in Spain) and connected by a network of walkways that earned the UNESCO-listed ancient city its name.

Enjoy the lot with barely another tourist in sight.

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When Emmanuel realised his university course wasn’t the right fit for him, he decided to take a ‘leap of faith’. Years after first starting up his YouTube channel during the Covid lockdown, he decided to pursue it full-time.

His videos were filmed on a smartphone and only garnered a few thousand views. He performed rap battles with friends, asked people to show off their talents in the street, and knocked on random houses asking for their WiFi password before having doors slammed in his face.

Posts were titled “Can I have your WiFi password????”, “Shocking try not to laugh challenge!!!” and “Fake employee prank” showing perplexed staff as he toured a supermarket dressed in their uniform.

The 26-year-old later pivoted to street interviews with no agenda. He ventured out to see ‘what the public had to say’. But it was when one of his clips rapidly went viral on Tik Tok, that he knew he’d found a winning formula.

“I didn’t think anything of it,” he told the M.E.N. “I was just going around chatting to people and wanted to see what the public had to say in general.

“I randomly asked someone a general knowledge question and they gave me a funny answer. When I posted it, it went viral and got over 10 million views. I’d asked someone what Queen Elizabeth’s surname was, and they said Princess Diana.

“I had started my social media in lockdown when we weren’t doing anything. It was just videos on YouTube with my friends and it was on and off for a while. I’d ask people if they had any talents to show the world. We’d do rap battles and someone would have to rhyme with the next word.

“But I changed my format after the TikTok video. At the time I was studying a broadcast journalism masters at university and I wasn’t really enjoying it, so decided to take a leap of faith and try to make people laugh and bring some joy into their lives.”

With half a million followers on Instagram, 766,000 on TikTok and 156,000 on YouTube, Emmanuel has found his niche. It’s simple: he goes around the streets asking random members of the public general knowledge questions, and documents the range of ridiculous answers.

The capital of the UK? England. The name of a female cat? Catty. What country is Mexico City in? America. Ten per cent of 300? Three.

Originally from Birmingham, Emmanuel moved up to Manchester and now films his videos across the city and beyond, in the likes of Bury and Salford, and is often recognised. His favourite spot is Piccadilly Gardens.

“I was getting a lot of no’s at the start and still do, but I was persistent. I knew if I asked 100 people, I might get 80 that wouldn’t speak to me, but 20 that would. It helps more now because people do recognise me.

“I used the traction to build up my audience. I think its the simplicity of it. There isn’t a lot going on, it’s just me with a microphone and people giving crazy answers.

“Viewers tend to love my face when people get it wrong, and how I look at the camera. It isn’t over edited, it’s all real. It’s just me asking questions and people love it. We live in an age with AI and over the top editing, and I think people just want something authentic that makes them laugh.

“A lot of the comments are positive. People have told me how their videos have helped them through a rough time and made them laugh. One kid came up to me in town and said they’d helped him in hospital after he had suicidal thoughts. They get to me and make me really happy.”

In a recent video filmed in Bury’s Mill Gate shopping centre, two girls said that Mexico City was in America. When asked how they got there, one responded “a plane.”

Another clip showing a man leaning on a bin at Salford Precinct featured Emmanuel asking what the plural term was for child. “Plural, what do you mean by that?” the man answered, before continuing: “I agree, people should be able to have as many kids as they want” and discussing abortion laws in Ireland.

Along Market Street he asks a teenage boy “what continent are we in right now?” to which he responds: “Town.” When asked how he ‘got there’, he says “Bus.”

“It is all real,” Emmanuel said. “I don’t think people are stupid, I think it’s the pressure of being on camera. I have a mic and a camera, so when I am asking questions people are under pressure, it builds up and then they get it wrong. There are some people where I don’t know what’s going on in their brains.

“There are so many ridiculous answers. I’m never surprised anymore. Every day it’s different wrong answers and it’s funny. I’m just used to it now.”

On his ballooning success, he explained: “I am so grateful. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with big brands, and am invited to events and film premiers. I want to take my work towards documentaries and see the world, and I want my own game show. That’s where I’m taking it.”

And asked where his favourite spot to film is, he said: “For me, it’s Piccadilly Gardens. I have a lot of success there. It’s a busy place and there are so many characters there.”

You can follow Emmanuel on YouTube here and on his Instagram profile @eman.rtm.

One in three Scots live in fear of losing their home in the next few years, shock figures have revealed.

One in three Scots suffer from ‘housing anxiety’ and live in fear of losing their home in the next few years, shock figures have revealed.

Worries over the cost of living, lack of affordable housing and high rent and mortgage payments are all factors leaving more than than a third of Scots stressed over how they will keep a roof over their heads, according to the poll from dozens of organisations.

But what is ‘housing anxiety?’

The Everyone Home collective, a group of more than 40 organisations working around housing and homelessness, asked 1000 Scots last month how concerned they were about losing their home in the next few years.

Around 35% said they were concerned, while almost half of young people (49%) between 18 to 24 said they were worried about it.

Around 21% quizzed by the Everyone Home collective poll said they were much more likely to vote for a political party that prioritises reducing homelessness more effectively in the next five years.

Margaret-Ann Brunjes, chief executive at Homeless Network Scotland, which convenes the collective, said the figures show housing insecurity is “no longer a fringe issue” and is “a weight on the minds of people across Scotland”.

She said: “Younger generations, in particular, feel increasingly locked out of the stability they need to build their lives.”

Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, Assistant Director at Shelter Scotland explained the signs that Scots might be suffering from ‘housing anxiety’, saying worry is being fuelled by a “fundamentally broken” housing system.

He said: “Many are familiar with that sense of ‘there’s no money left at the end of the month’ and facing that fear of ‘if things went wrong, would I be able to keep this roof over my head?’ That anxiety, that worry, reaches well beyond the smaller but unfortunately growing number of people who fall into the formal homelessness system.

“What these figures do is show just how fragile people think their housing security is. That worry, we know, contributes to why people may find themselves staying in a place that might not meet their needs but they are filled with fear that they can’t afford anything better or if their own personal circumstances change they may struggle.

“We, in Scotland today. see the rise in homelessness and the falling number of new homes being built and we also see people living longer, people living by themselves more often.

“It shouldn’t be automatic that losing your job or becoming ill means losing your home. For some people, a relationship breakdown means the uncertainty of homelessness. We should have a housing system that accommodates the changes in people’s lives. But right now people are scared, they’re worried and these figures show the depth of that anxiety.”

He added: “We certainly see that hope is disappearing for young people. The hope of working hard and being able to afford somewhere decent to live.

“As they look at a lifetime of private renting, where they pay more without the security that previous generations had, it doesn’t come as a surprise that so many have that fear.”

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Crook Town AFC’s football ground was bouncing and full of energy as music lovers travelled from far and wide for Crookfest on May 3.

Cover and tribute bands took to the three stages playing everything from rock to pop and indie to reggae, much to the delight of the hundreds of ticket holders who showed up to party at the one-day event.

Oasis Jam perform at Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

This year’s line-up included A Foreigners Journey, AC/DC UK, KISS tribute Dressed to Kill, Prodigy tribute Jilted Generation, Alanis Morrissette tribute Alanis: Jagged Little Pill, INXS UK and Metallica tribute Metal Militia.

Pictures from the event show festival-goers singing along to the tribute acts, dancing the day away in front of the stages and children on the shoulders of parents to get a better view.

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Metal Militia perform at Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Even when typical bank holiday weather threatened to dampen spirits, crowds packed into the marquees and carried on enjoying the music.

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Crookfest 2026. 3.5.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Crookfest started in 2010, and if not for the pandemic, this would have been its 16th annual event.

Dubbed as “the ultimate bank holiday all dayer”, the festival attracts music fans every year from across the North East.

Can you spot yourself in any of our pictures?

The actress and influencer has been modelling high street store Peacock’s latest styles – from one piece to two pieces with a 50s feel.

Peacocks was founded in 1884, offering affordable clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children.

It has a branch in Trinity Street’s Retail Park.

Helen models four different styles for her 1.1 million followers on Instagram.

She posts: “Ready for summer with @peacocks_fashion
“Love the new swimwear range which one should I pick
“Links in my stories with 20% off this bank holiday.”

Helen has modelled for high street brands as well as high end fashion and does this alongside her acting career.

She recently appeared at the Octagon in The Memory of Water.

The high street store has also collaborated with Louise Rednapp and Dani Dyer.

We have taken a look at what Tasering can do to your body as calls for all cops to equipped with the devices were backed by most Scots.

Following the release of new polls revealing most Scots backed the rollout of Tasers for all police officers, we have taken a look at what the device can do to your body.

Justice publication 1919 Magazine’s findings showed that nearly 60 percent of people agree with a wider rollout and training of tasers. This comes amid Scottish Police Federation (SPF) calls for greater access to Tasers, with the organisation warning that officers are increasingly facing violent and unpredictable incidents.

The new poll found that 28 per cent of Scots ‘strongly agree’ that all cops in Scotland should be supplied with a Taser and trained in how to use it, and a further 31 per cent agreed. Only seven per cent said they ‘strongly disagreed’, and 10 per cent disagreed in the 2,034 adults polled between April 2 and 13.

What does Tasering do to your body?

Tasers sends electrical current flows to the body, either through clothing or directly onto the skin, after two dart-like electrodes are shot at a person. This current activates nerves under the skin which then cause muscles to contract, according to Yorkshire Police.

When this happens, the contractions produced by the Conductive Energy Devices (CED) override a person’s ability to make voluntary movements including the running away or physically attack someone. This only continues for as long as the CED discharge is applied.

The normal reaction of a person exposed to the electrical discharge of a CED is pain, coupled with the loss of voluntary muscle control which can result in the subject falling to the ground or freezing on the spot.

Recovery from these effects should be almost instantaneous once the discharge turns off and anyone arrested after being subjected to CED discharge should be examined by a medics.

While serious complications from being stuck with a Taser are rare, they could include serious arrhythmia or heart rhythm disturbances, with sensitive areas like the eyes, neck, or genitals being particularly vulnerable if hit by the darts. However, most injuries suffered are as a result of uncontrollable falls.

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Arne Slot’s antics after Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United hit the headlines

Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United on Sunday was just the latest low point in the reigning Premier League champions campaign. The Reds fell to a 3-2 loss at Old Trafford that saw their bitter rivals officially capture Champions League football for next season.

The disappointing defeat did little to harm Liverpool’s own chase for European football with Arne Slot’s side needing just four points from their final three games to confirm their qualification.

However, another dismal performance has much of the fanbase wearing thin ahead of a summer where they’ll say goodbye to club icons Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Complaints within the Reds’ inner circle have been discussed as Slot’s post-game actions were plastered online. Mirror Football takes a look at the biggest stories coming out of Anfield…

Complaints revealed

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scored in the first 14 minutes to ensure Liverpool went into half-time down 2-0. The Reds came out with vigour as Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored within nine minutes of each other before Kobbie Mainoo’s 74th minute strike clinched the victory.

And Ibrahima Konate has revealed that complaints were made in the Liverpool dressing room around not winning enough challenges and displaying a stronger mentality.

READ MORE: Ex-Liverpool star lifts lid on Arne Slot sacking after Man Utd loss – ‘Matter of time’READ MORE: Alan Shearer shakes head as four Liverpool stars singled out after Man Utd loss

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The France international explained: “It was just about the mentality. In the first half we lost many challenges on the pitch. When it was 50-50, most of them Manchester [United] won them on the pitch.

“But in the second half we just had to change it and change the mentality. This is what we have done and that’s why we scored two good goals with our pressing, with our aggressiveness. But we needed a little bit more.”

Slot causes stir

As Slot walked back to the tunnel after full-time with his head down, he was subjected to heckles from United fans. While he stopped short of verbally hitting back, the Dutchman responded with a simple hand gesture, showing six fingers to the supporters.

The Reds boss seemed to signify the six Champions League titles Liverpool have won in footage that was posted on social media. Slot wasn’t alone when biting back at the United faithful.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Dominik Szoboszlai pointed to the gold Premier League badge on the sleeve of his shirt following full-time with Liverpool’s status as champions soon coming to an end.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made his thoughts clear about the club’s ambitions

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has outlined his ambitions for the club. The Red Devils have secured a Champions League place and sit third in the Premier League.

United’s rise up the table has come during Michael Carrick’s stint in charge. The 44-year-old has won 10 of his 14 games in charge, making a strong case to be given the job permanently.

A key change that the manager is credited with is restoring Kobbie Mainoo ’s place in midfield after the academy graduate lost his place under former boss Ruben Amorim. The 21-year-old scored the winning goal against Liverpool at the weekend.

However, the England international’s return to form comes as little surprise to former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding United.

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Bruno Fernandes names ‘compulsory’ target

Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental in changing the team’s fortunes, contributing 12 assists in 14 games under Carrick. However, the 31-year-old has argued that securing Champions League football should be the minimum expected of United as the captain eyes a future title bid.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand fires brutal personal dig at Jamie Carragher as feud escalates after Man Utd winREAD MORE: Casemiro transfer bombshell as Matheus Cunha hints at Man Utd U-turn over exit

“We have to be the main character every time and not think, ‘Let’s try to do our best and see what’s coming,’” Fernandes told Gary Neville for Sky Sports. “We have to be the main character in the game and then we will see.

“Sometimes you’re going to struggle, sometimes you won’t, but you have to try to be the main character in the game because you play for a big club and play for a huge place.

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“Not where we are at the moment, we want to be in the top four all of the time, that has to be compulsory, but it’s the first place that we want.”

Gary Lineker left shell-shocked

Gary Lineker has questioned Ruben Amorim’s judgment after Kobbie Mainoo’s recent display against Liverpool. The midfielder scored the match-winner and Lineker was left to wonder why Mainoo did not start a league game under Amorim in the first part of the campaign.

“Kobbie Mainoo, I thought [he] was the star of this game,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. “I am absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn’t get a look-in under the previous incumbent. It’s incredible.

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“I mean, what? What? I don’t get it at all. And even whatever system you play or anything like that, how can you not see how good that kid is?”

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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