Indoor air that’s too dry can irritate skin, cause asthma symptoms, sore throats and even cracked lips. Adding moisture back with a humidifier may help.

They’re useful in summer, when fans and air conditioners dry the air, and winter, when heating and dehumidifiers do the same. I know how shifts in temperature can leave my son’s skin feeling uncomfortably dry (not to mention my own), so I’m always looking for ways to manage ot.

I tested 10 of the most popular humidifier brands, including Dyson, Humio and Meaco, to see if they’d help. Incidentally, my house plants have flourished thanks to the added moisture in the air. Prices vary from about £60 to nearly £700, depending on the device you choose.

You can read my reviews further down, followed by some advice on how to use humidifiers. Here’s a quick look at my top five:

The best humidifiers: At a glance

JUMP TO REVIEWS

How to choose the best humidifier

“Many adults suffering with asthma, eczema or allergies choose to buy humidifiers,” says Dr Semiya Aziz, general practitioner and founder of Say GP. “However, it’s important to do your research before purchasing. For example, cool-mist humidifiers may ease a stuffy nose during a cold, whereas a heated humidified air doesn’t seem to have the same result and may be of no benefit.”

If you have allergies, asthma, or skin conditions, speak to a healthcare professional before use. Remember, a humidifier is a home remedy, not a medical treatment.

They also differ in capacity. Some are quite large and designed for bigger rooms, while other models are compact and good for use in a bedroom or child’s nursery. There’s also the option with some humidifiers to add aromatherapy oils or vapour discs to enhance the overall experience. Some even double as air purifiers.

How we test humidifiers

Zenith Aviation Limited, established in 2013, is a luxury private jet operator based in Biggin Hill, London.

The airline’s fleet, which is supported by a team of “highly trained and experienced” pilots and operational ground staff, consists of:

• Bombardier Learjet 75
• Learjet 45
• Citation XLS
• Challenger 605 aircraft

Zenith Aviation Limited, on its LinkedIn page, added: “We’re committed to maintaining unrivalled standards of quality, safety and service.

“Zenith Aviation – quality without compromise.”

Zenith Aviation Limited enters administration with all flights cancelled

After 13 years in business, Zenith Aviation Limited has now fallen into administration.

Paul Hargreaves from Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited was appointed administrator on May 15, according to The Gazette.

Mr Hargreaves, speaking to Newsquest (via The Herald), said Zenith Aviation was in an insolvent position due to “cashflow issues, debtors not paying, and historic ownership and management issues”.

A total of 41 jobs will be lost as a result of the company’s collapse.

Mr Hargreaves continued: “It is unfortunate for the company and the former employees, however, we are assessing the assets of the company, assisting employees with claiming their statutory redundancy entitlements, and looking at options to include potential rescue, or buyout should that be appropriate.

“At this time we are still assessing the company’s position, and evaluating the options.”

Other airlines that have fallen into administration or liquidation in 2026

Several airlines entered liquidation in 2025, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including:

• Blue Islands Limited (UK) – November
• Air Kilroe Limited t/a Eastern Airways (UK) – November
• Play Airlines (Iceland) – September

This turbulence in the airline industry has carried over into 2026, with more airlines entering administration or liquidation, including:

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Royal Air Philippines (administration)
• Dove Airlines (liquidation)

Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have also closed down in 2026:

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd

All four have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL).

Luxury holiday company Salamander Voyages also entered administration late last month.

Have you flown with Zenith Aviation before? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

More than 20,000 new cases of melanoma were recorded across the UK in 2022, according to Cancer Research UK, which says most of these diagnoses are preventable.

The charity is urging people to take sun safety seriously, especially ahead of the bank holiday weekend, by covering up, seeking shade, and using sunscreen.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, told PA: “It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK.

“The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK and worldwide, yet 90% of cases are preventable and almost all cases are curable if detected, diagnosed and treated early.

SKCIN are urging you to #CheckYourSkin monthly for signs of change. https://t.co/UW38OWXgT7 pic.twitter.com/9NFsJ2hQsf

— Ashley Dalton MP (@AshleyDalton_MP) May 20, 2026

“Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen and, if you notice any unusual changes to your skin, contact your GP.

“Whether it is a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary, it’s important to get it checked out.

“It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make all the difference.”

Cancer Research UK’s latest figures show that melanoma cases have reached 20,980 in a single year, the highest on record.

The charity estimates cases will rise to 26,500 annually by 2040, an increase of 23 per cent among men and 26 per cent among women.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at younger ages, often linked to sunbed use and sunbathing.

Men, however, experience higher rates later in life, usually due to long-term sun exposure.

Cancer Research UK also said that increased awareness and some degree of overdiagnosis may be contributing to the rising numbers.

The charity, in partnership with Nivea Sun, is advising the public to protect their skin ahead of the sunny weather.

Its recommendations include seeking shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.

Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Sunburn is a clear sign your skin has been damaged.

“Whether you are enjoying being outside abroad or at home, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.

“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too.”

Rebecca Dance, a mother of two from Wokingham, Berkshire, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 39.

She said: “My whole life flashed in front of me because I just thought ‘oh my God, I’ve got cancer’.

“I was panicked and upset.

“I tried to live life as normal as I could between the diagnosis and surgery, but it was weighing on my mind.

“I’m a single parent and my worst fear was dying.

“There’s this perception that skin cancer only happens to people who use sunbeds or sunbathe.

“But I’m a normal person that’s just got very pale skin and a lot of moles and it happened to me, too.”

Ms Dance urged others not to delay seeking medical advice.

She said: “Don’t delay speaking to your GP if you notice any changes – I believe it saved my life.”

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

Symptoms to look out for include new moles or changes to existing ones, sores that do not heal, or any unusual marks on the skin.

Do you enjoy the warm weather? Let us know in the comments

Eligible families with three or more children will receive higher Universal Credit payments following the abolition of the two-child limit from April 6

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Families receiving Universal Credit are set to see increased payments this year following a significant rule change implemented last month, which abolished the longstanding two-child limit. The restriction preventing claims for support beyond two children was lifted on 6 April, meaning households will now receive the child element for every child in their care.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that while the change has already taken effect, owing to Universal Credit’s payment structure – with payments issued monthly – claimants will only notice the increase this month or in June.

The DWP stated the timing varies according to each claimant’s monthly assessment period, which dictates when Universal Credit is calculated and distributed.

Until now, most families could only claim the child element of Universal Credit for their first two children, unless they met certain exemptions, reports the Daily Record. This policy, referred to as the ‘two-child limit’, has now been scrapped.

Consequently, families with three or more children can now access additional monthly support for each subsequent child, boosting their total Universal Credit entitlement. The change applies throughout the Universal Credit system, benefiting both new and existing claimants.

The child element of Universal Credit is worth:

• £333.33 a month for a first child (born before April 6, 2017)
• £287.92 a month for each additional child

This means households will now be eligible to receive an additional £287.92 monthly for each extra child who was previously excluded from their claim. Annually, this amounts to over £3,400 per child.

While the policy amendment came into force from April 6, payments will only rise after a claimant completes the first full monthly assessment period following that date.

This means:

• Some households will see higher payments this month
• Others will not receive the increase until June

DWP guidance states that the exact timing will vary depending on individual payment cycles. There is no requirement to submit a fresh claim or contact DWP, as the amendments should be implemented automatically.

However, claimants are encouraged to review their Universal Credit statements to confirm the correct number of children are reflected in their award. Further information on how the changes operate, including eligibility and payment timings, is available on GOV.UK.

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.   

Mr Amir Ahmed Bhatti, the former clinical lead for breast services at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), asked the High Court to overturn restrictions preventing him from treating patients.

But in a judgment handed down on May 11, Deputy High Court Judge Elizabeth O’Neill ruled the trust was entitled to keep the restrictions in place because of ongoing “serious safety and probity concerns”.

Mr Amir Bhatti (Image: SUPPLIED)

The case forms part of the fallout from a major investigation into the trust’s breast surgery service, launched after external reviews uncovered cases involving “missed cancers, unnecessary procedures and concerns about outdated clinical practices,” in what the report called “decade-long systemic failures”.

Mr Bhatti, who has worked for the trust since 2005, was first restricted from carrying out breast cancer surgery in February 2025 following concerns raised during the breast service investigation.

At that stage, he was still permitted to carry out general surgery and other clinical duties.

Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

However, the restrictions were widened in October 2025, preventing him from undertaking any clinical practice, including general surgery, outpatient work and multidisciplinary meetings.

The trust said the wider restrictions were necessary because some breast cancer patients had expressed concerns about encountering Mr Bhatti following publication of critical reports into the service.

In a letter quoted in the judgment, the trust referred to a “potential risk of psychological harm to patients who attend the Breast Service and may encounter you there”.

It also argued Mr Bhatti’s refusal to fully engage with retraining measures raised concerns about his professional judgment and insight. The trust told him, “Given the context surrounding the training plan, your refusal to engage is a serious concern.”

The High Court heard the problems within the breast service first came to light following a review by the Northern Cancer Alliance in June 2024.

A County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust sign (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

That report examined almost 700 breast surgery operations carried out by the trust and identified significant departures from national guidance and best practice.

One of the most serious incidents examined during proceedings involved a patient who underwent a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) test, which produced an inconclusive result.

No repeat biopsy was carried out, and the patient was later discharged before subsequently being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Following that case, the trust banned the use of FNAs within breast services and introduced retraining requirements for breast surgeons.

In court, Nicola Newbegin and Annie Davis, representing Mr Bhatti, argued the trust had acted “irrationally” and “failed to properly follow NHS disciplinary procedures”.

They also argued there was no justification for preventing him from carrying out general surgery when the concerns related to breast services.

Judge O’Neill accepted there were questions about whether the October 2025 restrictions went too far, particularly because they extended into Mr Bhatti’s general surgery work.

“It is not clear how these concerns relate to the Claimant’s general surgery,” she wrote.

However, the judge said the key issue was the trust’s later decision in January 2026 to continue the restrictions after the investigation expanded and further concerns emerged.

Those concerns included allegations involving delayed diagnoses, patient discharge decisions, complaint handling and issues connected to private treatment arrangements.

The University Hospital of North Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The trust also relied on findings from a later governance review, which criticised aspects of the breast service and raised concerns about oversight arrangements.

In refusing the application, Judge O’Neill said the trust was entitled to take a precautionary approach while investigations remained ongoing.

“The January 2026 Decision was based on serious safety and probity concerns,” she wrote, adding that the restrictions were considered necessary “to protect the interests of patients, whatever clinical context in which the Claimant was acting”.

The judge concluded there was “no serious issue to be tried” in relation to the trust’s decision to maintain the restrictions and ruled that “the application is refused”.

Responding to the ruling, CDDFT chief executive Steve Russell said: “We note the outcome of the recent High Court proceedings relating to breast surgeon Mr Amir Bhatti, which found in the Trust’s favour.

“The restrictions were introduced by the Trust on patient safety grounds while investigations and patient reviews continue. We continue to believe this was the right action in light of the patient experiences we have heard and continue to hear through the review process.”

Mr Russell added the trust recognised the case may cause “further distress for affected patients and families” and said it remained “deeply sorry for the worry and upset caused”.

He said “significant changes” had been made within breast services over the past year and that improvements were “now leading to better outcomes for patients”.

Mr Bhatti was ordered to pay the trust’s legal costs, assessed at £47,000.

He remains employed by the trust on full pay while the wider investigation continues.

A law firm representing patients affected by the ongoing breast surgery review at CDDFT welcomed the High Court’s decision.

Hayley Collinson, Hudgells (Image: Neil Holmes/Hudgells)

Responding to the ruling, solicitor Hayley Collinson, of Hudgell Solicitors, said the judgment reflected the seriousness of the concerns still under investigation.

“For Mr Bhatti to challenge the limitations on his practice, and expect to be reinstated by the Trust when he has failed to complete a full retraining programme, is concerning and suggests a lack of appreciation of the seriousness of the issues which have resulted in the ongoing investigations,” she said.

“We are pleased to see the decision of the High Court in this case.

“We continue to be contacted by patients of the Trust, and Mr Bhatti, who either have serious concerns over their treatment, have been told their care forms part of the review, or have been told they have been harmed.”

A quantity surveyor has been jailed after launching a savage and unprovoked attack on a teenage girl in Donegal.

Seamus Cooley repeatedly punched Shanan Reid McDaid in the face in a random assault on the 18-year-old in October 2017.

Cooley, who has had addresses at The Grange, Letterkenny and St Jude’s Court, Lifford, was sentenced to four years in prison by Judge John Aylmer at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The 51-year-old Cooley has 13 convictions, including 10 for public order matters, from the District Court and also one conviction for an aggravated assault from Northern Ireland.

The court heard that he walked off into the night after leaving his victim covered in blood at Castle Street, Letterkenny in the early hours of October 15, 2017.

The case was outlined to Ms Fiona Crawford BL, barrister for the State, by investigating Garda Neil Kemmy. Ms Reid McDaid had been out socialising with some friends and was walking up the Market Square to meet with friends. A man, now known to be Cooley was close by and he shouted some derogatory remarks to Ms Reid McDaid.

The victim reported that she noticed the man had stopped walking, but had continued to verbally taunt her. When she got within arm’s length of Cooley, he was facing her head-on and he stuck her to the face with a closed fist. Cooley rained a series of punches to Ms Reid McDaid’s face. The young woman estimated that she was struck eight to 10 times by Cooley.

“He just left,” she later told Gardai. Ms Reid McDaid was able to give a detailed description of her attacker to Gardai. A friend of Ms Reid McDaid told how the woman told her pals “I have been hit”. The man said that Ms Reid McDaid’s face “didn’t look real”.

Ms Reid McDaid was taken to hospital, where injuries were found including a suspected broken nose, two chipped teeth, a cut to the side of the head, a sore jaw as well as swelling and bruising to her face.

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A report from Mr Gerry Lane, a consultant in Letterkenny University Hospital, noted that the injuries were “entirely consistent with an assault”.

When Garda Kemmy saw the victim, her face and clothes were covered in blood, while he also noted chips to teeth and a cut to the side of her head.

CCTV was harvested and Cooley was identified by members of An Garda Síochána. A search warrant was obtained and executed at Cooley’s home, where a jacket was found and forensically analysed by Forensic Science Ireland. Blood staining with a profile matching the victim was located.

When he was interviewed by Gardai, Cooley was said to have been “extremely derogatory” towards Ms Reid McDaid and also to other women. He claimed to Gardai that she was a liar and outlined that forensics was “all nonsense”. He said the allegation against him was “bullshit” and claimed that the Gardai were planting evidence.

Cooley denied the attack and pointed the finger at another man when he was shown CCTV. “I am innocent and done nothing wrong,” he told Gardai, while he said he was prejudiced and discriminated against.

In a victim impact statement, which was read out by Ms Crawford, Ms Reid McDaid said that a night out in her home town with friends turned into a “life-altering event that had a lasting impact”. She told how she required dental intervention and was in pain for months afterwards.

Ms Reid McDaid said she suffered from physical injuries and was also at a significant financial loss, but said the most devastating impact was the emotional trauma. She told the court that she has had symptoms of PTSD and panic attacks, triggered by minor incidents.

“My body is stuck in a constant state of fight or flight,” she said, adding that she has avoided social settings and felt afraid in her own community.

The incident occurred just as she was starting university. She said that NUIG were “extremely supportive”, but she “always felt a few steps behind.

What made her ideal even harder was that it took almost eight years for Cooley to take accountability – something that made her feel as if justice was being denied.

“I had to carry the weight of it for so long,” she said. It made me angry, resentful and deeply frustrated.”

Ms Reid McDiad recalled how Cooley engaged with one of her social media platforms after she moved to Australia. This, she said, “deeply unsettled me and reopened old wounds.”

At this point, she feared that she “might not ever be truly free from his presence or reach” and noted the toll the matter took on her family.

Mr James McGowan SC, with Mr Senan Crawford BL, instructed by solicitor Conor Moylan of Madden and Finucane, represented Cooley.Mr McGowan said his client was bullied and troubled at home as a child. He said his childhood was “traumatic” and outlined difficulties with his parents

He said that Cooley reported that the atmosphere was “bad much of the time” and said Cooley, a qualified quantity surveyor, suffered from depression and had suicidal ideations.

Mr McGowan told the court that Cooley’s father died in 2017 and his client was binge drinking thereafter, suffering from a lot of anger and depression.

The incident for which he was before the court happened four months after the death of his father. Mr McGowan added that Cooley has since stopped drinking and his anger has “come down” since going sober. He said that Cooley reported that he “finally copped on”.

The court heard that Cooley had been subjected to some “distressing incidents”. Mr McGowan said there had been attacks on his home and car, while he was targeted by “intimidation and abuse” on social media. Mr McGowan said that Cooley is finding prison “difficult”.

Cooley offered €2,500 to the victim, but she did not wish to accept it, the court was informed. In sentencing Cooley, Judge Aylmer said the maximum penalty for such an offence at the time of its commission was five years in prison.

Judge Aylmer said this was a “random attack in the early hours of the morning on a lone, young female on her way home from a night out”.

Judge Aylmer said that the victim sustained a “very violent physical attack” and said she was “extremely fortunate” not to have suffered more serious physical injuries.

He noted the “appalling psychological impact” suffered by Ms Reid McDaid who he said “will be left suffering that impact for a very significant time to come.”

The appropriate headline sentence, Judge Aylmer said, was one of four and a half years in prison “This is very much on the upper end of the scale,” the judge said.

An albeit late guilty plea had to be given credit, while Judge Aylmer noted that Cooley has a “very complex psychological history”.

The mitigating factors were few, Judge Aylmer said, but he added that the accused had come to a realisation in 2025 and said it appeared as if he is now angered in “better self-regulation”. The judge told Cooley: “It better continue”.

Judge Aylmer took account of the offer of compensation, but said: “I would consider it to be far short of a true concrete demonstration of remorse from a quantity surveyor whose business has continued”.

Judge Aylmer reduced the sentence to one of four years in prison with credit to be given for all time spent in custody.

Last June, Cooley was remanded in custody after being found to have breached conditions of his bail when he appeared at Cavan Circuit Court.

In remanding Cooley in custody, Judge Aylmer said that Cooley “displayed arrogance” and showed a “flagrant disregard” for bail conditions previously set by the court.

Under the terms of his bail, Cooley was due to sign-on three times a week at Buncrana Garda Station, but he had only an 82 per cent adherence.

Cooley told the Gardai that he was happy with the amount of times he was signing on and that he was happy to sign on when it suited him. He told Gardai that he started working throughout the country and it “didn’t suit him some days” to sign on.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The investment comes through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), part of a wider programme to upgrade education facilities across the country.

This forms part of the Government’s long-term plan to improve the school estate and ensure pupils can learn in safe, modern environments.

In the North West, 107 schools will receive funding through the scheme.

Bolton schools named in the successful bids include:

• Lever Edge Primary Academy
• St Bede Academy
• Harwood Meadows Primary School
• Eagley Infant School
• Eagley Junior School
• Prestolee Primary School
• Bowness Primary School
• Sharples School
• Little Lever School
• Bolton Muslim Girls School
• Washacre Primary Academy
• Bolton Parish Church, Church of England Primary School
• St John Church of England Primary School
• Tonge Moor Primary Academy
• Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School

The funding will be used for critical improvements such as replacing heating systems, repairing roofs, upgrading electrical systems, and addressing other urgent building issues.

Nationally, the CIF programme forms part of a broader £2.1 billion investment this year to improve the condition of schools.

In addition, the Government is investing at least £3.7 billion between 2025 and 2030 to support councils in creating more school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as those who require alternative provision.

The funding will also go towards improving the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream school settings.

Josh MacAlister, schools minister, said: “Opportunity for our children starts with a great education, and children can only learn well in buildings that are safe, warm and fit for purpose – not classrooms disrupted by leaking roofs, failing boilers and declining buildings.

“This funding will help schools tackle urgent issues before they become bigger and more costly problems.

“It is part of our longer-term plan to break the cycle of schools and colleges doing patch-and-mend repairs, by committing to unprecedented long-term funding to improve the school and college estate – because world-class classrooms are key in helping children to achieve and thrive.”

A chef shared his ultimate pasta salad recipe, complete with a quick homemade dressing that beats any shop-bought sauce

The bank holiday weekend has arrived and with scorching temperatures continuing, it’s the perfect opportunity for outdoor dining. If you’re pondering what to make for a long weekend picnic, a timeless option is a pasta salad.

Chef and TikTok content creator John Gregory-Smith has recently revealed his “ultimate” pasta salad recipe, which requires minimal preparation time — and won’t need a lengthy shopping trip. You’ll never need to purchase a ready-made salad dressing or sauce again, as John demonstrates just how straightforward it is to create a tasty sauce at home.

In the clip, John said: “I’m making the ultimate pasta salad.” To ensure his salad retains maximum flavour, John chooses a spiral-shaped pasta. Rather than purchasing a ready-made Caesar dressing, John creates a simple sauce using just a handful of ingredients.

All that’s required is some mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic and Parmesan cheese.

He said: “For the pasta salad dressing, I’m making a lazy Caesar salad dressing.”

For those who aren’t keen on anchovies in a Caesar dressing, John replaced the fish with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together, and your pasta dressing is complete.

John continued: “How good does that look, it’s literally so delicious.”

John’s clip has already racked up over 12,800 views at the time of writing. Naghme said: “I like this version of the dressing , not too keen on the raw egg yolk!”

To which John responded: “This one is a banger.”

Pickle commented: “What time is lunch … I’ll be round.”

TaurusGirl added, “Look yum! Perfect to add in a summer picnic basket.”

So if you’re after a straightforward pasta salad to whip up for the bank holiday weekend, here’s how you can make John’s recipe yourself at home.

Easy pasta salad recipe

Ingredients (serves four to six)

For the pasta salad

• 250g pasta
• 200g asparagus, cut into 1-2cm pieces
• One romaine lettuce heart, cut into 2cm pieces
• 280g cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• Eight rashers of cooked crispy streaky Bacon
• Parmesan shavings (to serve)

For the Caesar salad dressing

• 120g mayonnaise
• Juice of 1⁄2 a lemon
• Three tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Two tsp Dijon mustard
• One clove garlic, crushed
• 20g Parmesan, grated
• Salt and pepper

Method

Cook the pasta for eight to 10 minutes or according to packet instructions until al dente. Add the asparagus for the final minute so it becomes tender.

Drain and rinse with cold water until completely chilled, then drain thoroughly again to prevent the salad becoming watery.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

John noted: “Now, I think this is pretty well balanced for my palette. But feel free to adjust the balance of flavours for you, adding more Worcestershire sauce and mustard.”

Combine the pasta, asparagus, lettuce, chicken and dressing in a large serving dish and toss everything together. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top and finish with shavings of Parmesan. Grab a fork and tuck in.

A reader is impressed with new Xbox game Forza Horizon 6 and tries to imagine an alternative future where it became one of the format’s biggest exclusives.

Like many people, I’ve been massively enjoying Forza Horizon 6 over the last week and I would say it is easily my favourite game of the year, which also seems to be what Metacritic thinks. I played it on PC and I cannot think of any other Xbox game, that isn’t Forza Horizon, that has come anywhere close to that level of quality since the Xbox 360 era. And that, unfortunately, is a long time ago now.

It’s not just quality though. There’s something about Forza Horizon 6 that feels exciting and of the moment. In the zeitgeist I think would be the word. Not only is everyone talking about it, but nobody seems to have a bad word to say about it, whether they particularly like the genre or not.

And then I see today that sales of the games – not just how many people have played it for free on Game Pass but actual sales – are 5 million, which is apparently well above anything you’d ever expect of Xbox recently. Which only hammers home the idea that Forza Horizon 6 is something special.

As many people have said over the years, the problem with Xbox is they always want to take a shortcut on everything. They’re always looking for a secret move that will leap them ahead of Sony and, of course, it doesn’t exist. But while there’s always been a lot of talk about losing the Xbox One generation, when everyone got settled into the ecosystem of the Xbox or PlayStation, I think the problem was earlier, with Kinect.

It cut the legs off the Xbox 360 and allowed the PlayStation 3 to overtake it in the end. Absolutely nothing good came of Kinect and at the same time Microsoft stopped tending to its first party developers properly, shutting them down or letting them run off – like Bungie did.

The impression I get is that Microsoft though they had it in the bag with Xbox 360 and immediately got over confident and, well… you see the situation they’re in today. But the bigger problem is I don’t see any way back now. Xbox has been a punching bag for far too long now and nobody trusts them with hardware anymore.

So while something of the quality of Forza Horizon 6 would’ve been a definite system seller 10 years ago, it’s not now. It’s just something to make a note of, so you remember to buy it on PC on PlayStation 5.

Forza Horizon is by far the best thing Xbox has at the moment, but it doesn’t help their console business because no-one’s going to buy a console for that. They don’t need to because it’s multiformat (or will be) but I don’t believe they’d do it anyway.

But the thing with Forza Horizon 6 is that it’s very mainstream friendly, in a way things like The Outer Worlds definitely isn’t. Halo and Gears Of War used to be, but they seem very old fashioned to me now and that’s even if they’re good games, which I doubt the they well be (the Halo one isn’t even technically new!).

The only thing that might have some reach is the new Fable but although it’s by the same people as Forza I don’t think it has much of a chance. The original games were never that good and there’s nothing from the new trailers that makes me very confident.

Who knows, maybe it will be another blockbuster but it’s still a drop in the ocean and will do nothing to change the fact that Xbox is now just a third party publisher and nothing more. The sooner they accept that and stop pretending they’re going to go back to making exclusives the better.

The chance for Xbox to rival PlayStation was decades ago and while I wish it had, because I don’t like the free reign Sony currently has, that chance is never going to come around again. Which makes the glimpse Forza Horizon 6 has given of what could’ve been kind of cruel.

By reader Jason

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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