12 h. ago Anna Maxwell Martin looks back: ‘I was bullied a little bit, but it didn’t affect me because I was a happy weirdo’

The actor on being an introverted extrovert, performing as a pearly queen, and becoming a single mother when her husband diedBorn in Beverley, East Yorkshire, in 1977, Anna Maxwell Martin studied at the University of Liverpool and trained at Lamda. She made her name with a Bafta-winning performance in the BBC’s Bleak House and has since starred in Line of Duty, Motherland and Midwinter of the Spirit, as well as numerous stage productions. She lives in London with her two daughters. Their father, the director Roger Michell, died of a heart attack in 2021. Maxwell Martin is an Action for Children ambassador and stars in their Christmas short film, Santaland. To donate, visit iamsanta.org.uk.I am five and having my picture taken at school. On my eye is a medical patch. That’s what they did to you in the 1980s if you had a squint. My dad cut my hair using a bowl, which is why it is such a tragedy. Continue reading...

Politics

43 h. ago I visited UK's best Christmas market for food and drink – one thing got me feeling so festive

This northern city's Christmas market is back for another year, with more stalls, attractions and cosy festive feels than ever before – and I took a look around to see what this year had to offer

Politics

3 d. ago It's now cheaper to fly to Europe for a Christmas market than visit one in the UK

More than 40 years after the first Christmas market came to Lincoln in 1982, experts have revealed it's now cheaper to fly overseas than visit some of the UK's most popular winter attractions.

Politics

3 d. ago 14 best Christmas light trails to visit in the UK over the festive season

Start off the Christmas period with a dose of holiday cheer at these spectacular light displays

Politics

4 d. ago We visited the Christmas experience that sells out every year, it's bigger and better than ever

They really have pulled out all the stops this festive season

Politics

4 d. ago Visit Glasgow's highest Christmas market where one drink can win you £1,000 Secret Santa

Buying one festive tipple this weekend could see you bag a monster prize just in time for Christmas.

Economics

5 d. ago Popular UK city called out for having the 'worst Christmas market' as visitors are 'packed like sardines' and locals 'avoid it like the plague'

Videos and pictures have emerged showing heaving crowds taking over the historic city, with many locals labelling it a 'hellscape'.

Politics

6 d. ago 'I visited UK's best Christmas Market just 40 miles from Manchester'

After years of attending the likes of Winter Wonderland and other Christmas markets across the UK, this felt like a breath of fresh air to me – stripping it back to basics

Politics

1 week ago I visited enchanting Christmas market and one £4.50 item made the trip worthwhile

The Christmas market has been named one of the best in the UK - and one visitor was blown away by a purchase costing less than £5

Economics

2 w. ago Christmas market expert who's visited more than 60 reveals the ones you need to head to

It seems there's an almost endless amount of choice when it comes to visiting Christmas markets this festive season.

Politics

2 w. ago Unexpected addition to UK Christmas market leaves visitors very confused

The festive season is definitely upon us as Christmas markets open up and down the country

Politics

2 w. ago 'I visited the Christmas markets in York but my day was ruined by 1 thing'

A woman has said she was disappointed by the Christmas markets in York because of one detail that ruined her day - and many locals have agreed with her

Politics

2 w. ago European Christmas market swaps: 5 hidden gems to visit instead of the tourist traps

As big-name markets become inundated with visitors across Europe, these five hidden gems in Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin and Copenhagen provide authentic, crowd-free experiences.

Politics

2 w. ago I visited UK's most popular Christmas market and it blew Edinburgh's away

I visited the UK's most popular Christmas Market to see if it was better than Edinburgh's - and I was not disappointed

Politics

2 w. ago I visited a UK Christmas market 1 hour from Manchester and made a big mistake

The festive pie truck is one of the biggest and most expensive dishes on offer at the Liverpool Christmas Markets

Politics

2 w. ago I visited one of UK's best Christmas markets and made a horrible mistake

The UK's Christmas markets are back and bigger than ever, with a huge variety of food and drink on offer - but Christopher Megrath made a mistake with during his first visit

Politics

3 w. ago When does Edinburgh Christmas Market start? Here's everything you need to know for 2025 including dates, opening times and more

The best Christmas market in the UK will soon begin welcoming visitors for 2025. Here is everything you need to know, including opening hours, attractions, events and more.

Politics

3 w. ago 'I visited Christmas supermarket in Cardiff and can't believe what I found'

Erin recently visited a Christmas supermarket in Cardiff, and she couldn't believe what she found inside. The festive season is well and truly on its way, and people are thrilled

Politics

3 w. ago 'I visited UK Christmas market and it's overpriced drinks and Poundland tatt'

The UK's Christmas Markets are officially open for business, but it seems that the festive spirit is already wearing thin for some visitors who have been left unimpressed

Economics

3 w. ago 'I visited UK Christmas market and it's overpriced drinks and pound shop tat'

The UK's Christmas Markets are officially open for business, but it seems that the festive spirit is already wearing thin for some visitors who have been left unimpressed

Economics