Amanda Holden and Alan Carr head to Greece in Alan & Amanda's Greek Job

BBC Factual announces that following the remarkable success of Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are dusting down their boiler suits and teaming up for another exciting renovation project for iPlayer and BBC One.
This time they will be embracing island life as they head to sunny Corfu, keen to embrace a new culture, ready to throw themselves into local life, make new friends and take on the challenges that inevitably lie ahead.
Watch Amanda & Alan's Italian Job on BBC iPlayer
Watch Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job on BBC iPlayer
Speaking about their new series Amanda Holden said 'I couldn't be happier to announce that Alan and I are going to be doing a fourth series of Amanda and Alan! If I said our big fat Greek renovation, I'm sure that will give you a clue! We're so excited to be spending another summer together bashing down walls in one of our favourite places ever! Over 18 million of you tuned in -so thank you so much for all the love and support.'
Alan Carr said: 'Greece is always my 'Go To' place for holiday fun, so it will be strange for me to be packing a hard hat, drill and paint roller in my suitcase instead of my usual suntan lotion and budgie smugglers. After the success of Sicily, Tuscany and Andalusia I think Greece is the perfect next step for some Alamanda magic, with its rich history and culture and let's not forget the delicious food and drink, it feels like its already gearing up to be an unforgettable summer'.
Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, said: "We're delighted to have Amanda and Alan returning for a fourth series, bringing their signature style of fun, sun and friendship to audiences right across the UK. With a new location, a completely new property to transform and some of the world's most beautiful scenery on their doorstep, we can't wait to see what magic they create together."
Amanda and Alan's Greek Job, an 8x30' series for iPlayer and BBC One, is made by Voltage TV Productions. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, the Executive Producers are Claire Walls, Sanjay Singhal and Tom Cullum, and the Commissioning Editor is Ricky Cooper. BBC Studios is handling the global distribution.
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Daily Mirror

3 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Beautiful island less than 5 hours from UK boasts 13 hours of sunshine every day

We're walking in the sunshine in the footsteps of kings and queens, pashas and sultans in the ancient city of Amathus. One of the kings had a bloodline to Cleopatra and would have bathed in the stone baths heated by furnaces so he could choose a medium or very hot tub, or even a steam room before plunging into cold mountain water. After bathing, Royal Highnesses were massaged with expensive aromatic oils and sprayed with perfumes imported from the East. All of this pampering happened 3,000 years ago on coastal cliffs on the southern coast of Cyprus where unwashed sailors, farmers and merchants were not accepted into the perfumed inner city before bathing to become socially acceptable. Archaeologists have spent decades chiselling and digging to expose the ruins of royal palaces and temples for worshipping the gods of love and fertility, war and hunting. Amazingly, we touch these once-impressive structures built on hills with views of the Mediterranean Sea to spot Arab invaders. In the main square under a cloudless, blue sky, our guide Rose Marie vividly transports us into the past to imagine maritime traders arriving from the now sunken but still visible port. They were there to buy and sell, chat and argue under a covered shopping arcade that doubled up as a newsroom where stories were exchanged from Lebanon, Syria and mainland Greece. We take a 10-minute drive to Limassol to check in at Louis Hotels' Royal Apollonia where we indulge in a modern-day tribute to Apollo, God of sunlight, music and poetry. The property blends old-world charm with up-to-date amenities, including a swim-up bar in one of the three pools, three restaurants, and beach loungers attended by waiters. The hotel has replicated the rejuvenation treatments of the kings and queens with its own temple of wellbeing where soothing scents calm and a couples' massage relieves our tired muscles in the tranquillity of the spa. Feeling suitably relaxed, we enter the peaceful setting of Apollonia's Japanese fusion restaurant Akakiko for hot and sour tam tam soup with Thai-style prawns, pan-fried golden brown chicken and vegetable gyoza dumplings, followed by tempura duck. Looking for life outside of the hotel, we drive into the foothills to Restaurant Agios Epiktitos – named by the owner after his village in the north was captured by Turkish troops in 1974. We soon find Wednesdays are party nights and families are carrying presents and birthday balloons to long tables seating up to 30. Meze is the only choice and it comes in a mouth-watering rush of blood sausage, pork belly off the grill and in red wine, tahini, tzatziki, chicken souvlaki, couscous, halloumi, lamb, stifado, kleftiko, salad and chips. Our waiter says there's no choosing the amount of plates, estimating there are about 23 – even he doesn't seem to be sure. Then the real party begins. A keyboard player and singer with bouzouki (an oval-shaped instrument similar to a guitar) start belting out tunes for Greek line dancing. The place erupts in a lot of singing, whooping and tapping of feet. With appetites renewed from energetic dancing, there comes a delicious finale - deep-fried and crispy Bourekia pastry with sweet goat's cheese inside and the outside covered in icing sugar. A couple of nights later, we decide to go for a more sober and manageable affair in Apollonia's Alati Greek restaurant, which serves a six-course meze which we enjoy on the outside terrace in November's very pleasant 23C. For a Sunday drive, the lower Troodos mountains are calling just as a storm is brewing. We take in some spectacular countryside views for 16 miles until we arrive in Lofou village. The gods are with us, the clouds part, the rain stops and the sun shines. We enjoy a stroll around narrow cobbled streets before rolling thunder threatens another downpour. Our refuge is the community cafe with blue gingham tablecloths over old wooden tables on a covered veranda. I'm corrected when asking for a Greek coffee. Schoolboy error! A very proud and fortunately smiling lady insists her brew is 'Cyprus coffee' and is best served with village ladies' sweetly preserved walnuts, quince and citrus apple. An excellent recommendation and all for a few euros. Having a car is essential for the full Cyprus experience. At Limassol Salt Lake we tentatively follow others driving on to the salt flat called Lady's Mile, named after a horse called 'Lady' who belonged to a British colonial governor. It is a little adventure on the smoothly packed salt surface, and in the distance, there are hundreds of flamingos from Africa searching for shrimp. Our next journey is to Coral Bay. En route we take in another archaeological park, which echoes the once-thriving city kingdom of Kourion, with spectacular sea views from the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre still used for summertime musical and theatrical performances. In the Gladiator's House a beautifully restored mosaic depicts the valor and bravery of two fighting men wearing armoured helmets and facing each other with shields, clubs and swords – probably commemorating a famous battle to the death but there are no signs of who prevailed. Coral Bay's sweeping crescent-shaped 600 yards of soft sand, enclosed each end by limestone headlands, makes it easy to walk into the sea to swim safely in crystal water. Blood-red sunsets are spectacular. Locals run the publicly owned value-for-money beach cafes serving sandwiches and salads, Cypriot coffees (I get the order right this time) brewed with pride, cold beers and ice-creams. Two sunloungers and a parasol cost €7 a day. 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Scottish Sun

9 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world

Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon ON THE RHODES I went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes Credit: Getty 6 The TUI Rhodes half-marathon Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The majestic Acropolis Credit: Getty Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort Credit: Supplied Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then. GO: RHODES GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers. See MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19. See

The Guardian

12 hours ago

• The Guardian

Cars and steps do not mix: why The Italian Job has a lot to answer for

The 1969 caper The Italian Job spawned a Hollywood remake, helped drive the cool-factor of the Mini and launched decades of dad-jokes about bloody doors being blown off. It may also have inspired one driver who got stuck trying to travel down the Spanish Steps in Rome this week. The film ended with Michael Caine teetering on the edge of a cliff in a coach, claiming to have a 'great idea'. In Rome, the 80-year-old's navigational error on his way to work ended with emergency services having to bring in a crane to winch his vehicle off the Italian capital's landmark. But it is not only in Rome where steps, or indeed navigational issues, can create havoc for drivers. In the slightly less celebrated surrounds of north London's Maitland Park estate, residents have been complaining about drivers getting their cars stuck trying to rehash one of the film's most famous scenes by driving down a small flight of steps. According to the Camden New Journal, five cars met their match on the five concrete steps within the space of a month last year, with some of the drivers reportedly blaming their satnav apps for leading them there. One resident, Aron Kennedy, posted online about the phenomenon, which he referred to as a 'new Camden tourist attraction along with Karl Marx'. He told the paper: 'If it happens one more time I think we might have to get a living statue of a car stuck there permanently.' In Plymouth in 2017, it was reported that a driver turned off a road, through the gap in railings at a pedestrian crossing, across the pavement and through a covered walkway leading under a block of flats and a small supermarket, before parking the silver Vauxhall Corsa facing downwards on a flight of steps. All because the satnav had reportedly said to turn left at Tesco. And so many lorries have got stuck following their satnavs down a narrow country lane in Cornwall that one man reportedly paid £150 for a large yellow sign that read, in block capitals: 'Do not follow satnav. This route is unsuitable. You will get stuck.' According to a local newspaper report last month, this was not enough to stop it happening yet again. In Somerset, by a 6ft-wide lane, stands a house that has reportedly sustained £50,000 of damage over several years of HGV drivers trying to force their way past while following directions on their devices. And those are just domestic tales of driving woe. Driving when abroad can be particularly confusing. Guardian readers have been sharing some of their own experiences. Otieno Okatch said he and his wife, from California, rented a car in Switzerland during the annual Fasnacht celebrations. 'One day, we ended up in downtown Lucerne and got lost. The streets were oddly empty. We turned the corner and had inadvertently entered the city Fasnacht parade. We were mortified. A police escort had to help us get out as thousands stared at the two foreigners.' Anand Ranganathan, also from California, told of an experience when he and his wife were in Arles, France while touring the country about 14 years ago. Forced by hefty mobile roaming charges to follow printed-out Google Maps directions to their hotel, they were sent down a 'one-lane road that had a retractable bollard in the middle of it'. He said: 'Only drivers who had a special code were allowed to go through it ... Of course, we didn't realise this until we got close to the bollard. Now we were stuck. There was a line of cars behind us and a bollard in front of us … The cars behind us were honking, the driver immediately behind us was cursing us in well-considered French, and I was standing there gesticulating to indicate that I was but a lost tourist.' To stairs in London and Devon, narrow lanes in Cornwall and Bouches-du-Rhône, add for one driver: a picturesque flight of steps in the heart of the Italian capital.