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The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Our UK seaside village is inundated with tourists after TV show made us globally famous – it's forcing us out our home
A POPULAR TV show is forcing residents to leave their picturesque coastal village - because it has become a mecca for tourists. Residents in the Cornish village of Port Isaac have fumed that droves of Doc Martin fans arriving each year have made their town unlivable. 9 Tens of thousands of Doc Martin fans flock to the village each year Credit: Neil Hope 9 During summer months, the town is so crowded that locals steer clear Credit: Neil Hope 9 Over the past two decades, house prices in the area have quadrupled Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Tens of thousands of 'Clunatics' - the nickname for fans of the show and star During the summer months, the town's narrow winding lanes are so crowded that locals steer clear of the historic harbour. Fans from the UK, To some in Port Isaac, this has brought new opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops. Read more News Rubber-necking tourists reportedly flock to view iconic landmarks such as the home of Martin Clunes ' character Dr Martin Ellingham, and Aunty Ruth's cottage above Squeezy Belly Alley. But locals have suggested that their home has become a "victim of its popularity". Over the past two decades, house prices in the area - renamed Port Wenn on the show - have quadrupled. Mum-of-two Anne Wilce, 44, a lifelong Port Isaac resident, told how it had become "unrecognisable". Most read in The Sun She fumed: 'It is horrific, there is no affordable housing available for anybody now. 'My sons are 19 and 22 and they won't ever be able to afford to buy a house at this rate. 'Without more affordable housing in the village the younger generation will move away because there is nothing here for them. 'My house is 30 years old and it's part of the last affordable housing that has been built here. Martin Clunes announces sad death of Doc Martin co-star live on air - two years after hit ITV show ended 'I don't go down to the village centre, I have no reason to because it's all second homes. "Even when something does come up for sale it's ridiculously priced - nobody around here can afford it. 'Doc Martin brought a whole load of money into the village which has created jobs for people and helped this community. "But it is also a victim of its popularity and it doesn't feel like our village any more.' Tourism has long since overtaken fishing as Port Isaac's main industry. Local businesses have thrived as a result of the town's worldwide fame. 9 Local resident Anne Wilce worries about her children finding homes in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 Locals have suggested that their home has become a 'victim of its popularity' Credit: Neil Hope 9 To some in Port Isaac, Doc Martin has brought new business opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops John Cleave, who was brought up in the village and runs the Boathouse fashion and gift shop, agrees that the show has changed village life. "The locals talk about BDM – that's Before Doc Martin. "It was always favoured by comparatively few people who simply saw it as a beautiful, typical Cornish fishing village. "As a business you could close your doors from October to Easter and it wouldn't make a lot of difference. "Thanks to Doc Martin we now have all-year-round trade." The British comedy-drama first aired in 2004. On the outer edge of the village - next to Port Isaac's real GP surgery - sits a small housing estate containing some of the village's only affordable homes. They were constructed around 30 years ago and according to residents they were the last affordable homes built in the village. There are now just two active fishing boats remaining in the village - compared with 174 holiday lets on Airbnb alone. In the past year, semi-detached properties in Port Isaac sold for an average of £810,000, with terraced properties fetching £616,250, according to Rightmove. Shop worker Elisha Scott, 19, and her family have lived in the area for 10 years. She said: 'Nobody my age can afford to rent let alone buy a house here, all my friends still live with their parents. 'I'm not really thinking about house prices though because I don't think I'll stay here for a long time, there just aren't the job opportunities. 'Doc Martin definitely made a difference to Port Isaac, there are always fans of the show looking around the village. "What has come with that is a lot of people buying second homes here which has made it too expensive for locals.' Earlier this month a new plan was unveiled to build more affordable homes for local people. Tre Haven Community Land Trust (CLT) has started negotiations with Cornwall Council to purchase land for 25 affordable housing developments. The proposal has support from the area's Lib Dem MP Ben Maguire and local celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw. But critics point out the site sits on a main road several miles from the village - with almost no public transport links to shops or schools. Unemployed Ciaran Patching, 20, said: 'It took me two years of searching and I feel incredibly lucky to be here, before that I was living with my mum in the town. 'I would love to be able to buy my own house here but it doesn't feel like that will ever be an option at the moment. 'Port Isaac is definitely very popular in summer but in winter it can be dead. "The popularity of Doc Martin has helped a lot of businesses around here but it has made it hard for year round residents.' 9 Resident Ciaran Patching lives in affordable housing in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 John Cleave hailed the show's positive impact on local businesses Credit: Neil Hope 9 Ferne Cottage - which appears in the series as Doc Martin's home Credit: Neil Hope
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Our UK seaside village is inundated with tourists after TV show made us globally famous – it's forcing us out our home
Tens of thousands of fans flock to the peaceful fishing town each year SEA TO BELIEVE Our UK seaside village is inundated with tourists after TV show made us globally famous – it's forcing us out our home Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR TV show is forcing residents to leave their picturesque coastal village - because it has become a mecca for tourists. Residents in the Cornish village of Port Isaac have fumed that droves of Doc Martin fans arriving each year have made their town unlivable. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Tens of thousands of Doc Martin fans flock to the village each year Credit: Neil Hope 9 During summer months, the town is so crowded that locals steer clear Credit: Neil Hope 9 Over the past two decades, house prices in the area have quadrupled Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Tens of thousands of 'Clunatics' - the nickname for fans of the show and star Martin Clunes - flock to the peaceful fishing village annually. During the summer months, the town's narrow winding lanes are so crowded that locals steer clear of the historic harbour. Fans from the UK, USA, Australia and mainland Europe has turned the once quiet village into an international tourism hub. To some in Port Isaac, this has brought new opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops. Rubber-necking tourists reportedly flock to view iconic landmarks such as the home of Martin Clunes' character Dr Martin Ellingham, and Aunty Ruth's cottage above Squeezy Belly Alley. But locals have suggested that their home has become a "victim of its popularity". Over the past two decades, house prices in the area - renamed Port Wenn on the show - have quadrupled. Mum-of-two Anne Wilce, 44, a lifelong Port Isaac resident, told how it had become "unrecognisable". She fumed: 'It is horrific, there is no affordable housing available for anybody now. 'My sons are 19 and 22 and they won't ever be able to afford to buy a house at this rate. 'Without more affordable housing in the village the younger generation will move away because there is nothing here for them. 'My house is 30 years old and it's part of the last affordable housing that has been built here. Martin Clunes announces sad death of Doc Martin co-star live on air - two years after hit ITV show ended 'I don't go down to the village centre, I have no reason to because it's all second homes. "Even when something does come up for sale it's ridiculously priced - nobody around here can afford it. 'Doc Martin brought a whole load of money into the village which has created jobs for people and helped this community. "But it is also a victim of its popularity and it doesn't feel like our village any more.' Tourism has long since overtaken fishing as Port Isaac's main industry. Local businesses have thrived as a result of the town's worldwide fame. 9 Local resident Anne Wilce worries about her children finding homes in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 Locals have suggested that their home has become a 'victim of its popularity' Credit: Neil Hope 9 To some in Port Isaac, Doc Martin has brought new business opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops John Cleave, who was brought up in the village and runs the Boathouse fashion and gift shop, agrees that the show has changed village life. "The locals talk about BDM – that's Before Doc Martin. "It was always favoured by comparatively few people who simply saw it as a beautiful, typical Cornish fishing village. "As a business you could close your doors from October to Easter and it wouldn't make a lot of difference. "Thanks to Doc Martin we now have all-year-round trade." The British comedy-drama first aired in 2004. On the outer edge of the village - next to Port Isaac's real GP surgery - sits a small housing estate containing some of the village's only affordable homes. They were constructed around 30 years ago and according to residents they were the last affordable homes built in the village. There are now just two active fishing boats remaining in the village - compared with 174 holiday lets on Airbnb alone. In the past year, semi-detached properties in Port Isaac sold for an average of £810,000, with terraced properties fetching £616,250, according to Rightmove. Shop worker Elisha Scott, 19, and her family have lived in the area for 10 years. She said: 'Nobody my age can afford to rent let alone buy a house here, all my friends still live with their parents. 'I'm not really thinking about house prices though because I don't think I'll stay here for a long time, there just aren't the job opportunities. 'Doc Martin definitely made a difference to Port Isaac, there are always fans of the show looking around the village. "What has come with that is a lot of people buying second homes here which has made it too expensive for locals.' Earlier this month a new plan was unveiled to build more affordable homes for local people. Tre Haven Community Land Trust (CLT) has started negotiations with Cornwall Council to purchase land for 25 affordable housing developments. The proposal has support from the area's Lib Dem MP Ben Maguire and local celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw. But critics point out the site sits on a main road several miles from the village - with almost no public transport links to shops or schools. Unemployed Ciaran Patching, 20, said: 'It took me two years of searching and I feel incredibly lucky to be here, before that I was living with my mum in the town. 'I would love to be able to buy my own house here but it doesn't feel like that will ever be an option at the moment. 'Port Isaac is definitely very popular in summer but in winter it can be dead. "The popularity of Doc Martin has helped a lot of businesses around here but it has made it hard for year round residents.' 9 Resident Ciaran Patching lives in affordable housing in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 John Cleave hailed the show's positive impact on local businesses Credit: Neil Hope
The Irish Sun
22-06-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Pod of killer whales spotted in extremely rare sighting in the Channel by stunned pals on fishing trip
PALS on a fishing trip were stunned when they spotted what appeared to be a pod of killer whales in the Channel. David Hilton, 64, and Paul Bradshaw, 61, were angling off the South Coast when they saw several large creatures breaching the surface. Advertisement 3 Two pals spotted what appeared to be a pod of killer whales in the Channel Credit: Neil Hope 3 David Hilton was angling off the South Coast when he spotted the creatures breaching the surface Credit: Neil Hope 3 Sightings of orcas in the Channel are extremely rare Credit: Getty They appeared to be hunting dolphins in busy international shipping lanes, just five miles south of Plymouth, Devon. Also known as orcas, killer whales — like those in the hit film Free Willy — are seen in the North Sea and off the west coast of Scotland. But sightings in the Channel are extremely rare. David, a retired hospital worker, said: 'I couldn't believe it. Advertisement READ MORE ON KILLER WHALES 'I've never seen orcas before in Paul, a retired medical scientist and marine life enthusiast, added: 'We weren't sure what they were at first. 'The larger ones were over five metres long.' Paul sent pictures to the Orca Research Trust, which said: 'While we can't say definitively that these were Advertisement Most read in The Sun But Dr Peter Evans, professor of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, said he thought they may have been white beaked dolphins. He said: 'Changes in the status and distribution of various whale and dolphin species have been occurring in recent years.' Terrifying moment huge fin is spotted off UK coast sparking fears killer WHALES are lurking close to shores
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Brit Miss World contestant flees host nation after ‘being made to feel like prostitute' as she slams ‘outdated' show
MISS England has quit the Miss World beauty pageant because she felt organisers were exploiting her. 6 Milla in Hyderabad in India before quitting the contest Credit: Neil Hope 6 Surfing fan Milla with her Miss England crown Credit: Neil Hope 6 The beauty queen on a CPR campaign with Prince William Credit: Supplied Milla, 24, the first Miss England to quit in the contest's 74 years, said: 'I went there to make a difference but we had to sit like performing monkeys.' The lifeguard, of Newquay, Cornwall, added: 'It's stuck in the past. Morally I couldn't be a part of it.' Devastated Milla says she 'felt like a prostitute' and was 'farmed out for entertainment' by Miss World organisers. Milla said she decided to take a stand after being paraded in front of wealthy male sponsors. Read More on World News She branded the show 'outdated' and said some of the 109 finalists were berated for being 'boring'. Her May 16 exit — the first by a Miss England in the pageant's 74 years — was put down to 'personal reasons' earlier this week. But in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Milla — whose campaigning has been supported by Prince William — said: 'The point was to do good, promote change and make a difference. 'But it became obvious that just wasn't going to happen. Most read in The Sun 'As far as I could see it hasn't changed and is stuck in the past. Morally, I couldn't be a part of it. 'All the crowns and sashes in the world mean nothing compared to using your voice and making a difference in the world.' Milla Magee the first plus size winner of Miss England Milla flew to Hyderabad, India, on May 7 for publicity events for the final but quickly realised she was only there to be ogled. Contenders were told to wear make-up 24/7 and ball gowns all day, including at breakfast. Milla said the final straw came when they were told to entertain middle-aged men as a 'thank you' for money they put into the show. She revealed: 'There were two girls to each table of six guests. 'We were expected to sit with them for the whole evening and entertain them as a thank you. 'I found that unbelievable. I remember thinking, 'This is so wrong'. I didn't come here to be farmed out for people's entertainment. Miss World is supposed to have the same values, but it's outdated and stuck in the past. They made me feel like a prostitute.' Milla added: 'At one point I tried to talk about the causes I was supporting but it was obvious the men at the table were not interested. Instead there was weird small-talk that left me feeling uncomfortable. 'I went out to make a difference, to help create a different future, perhaps inspire young people. Never in a million years did I expect to find myself in that situation. We were there to please these people and sit like performing monkeys. I couldn't stand it.' She says one official gave them a dressing down for being 'boring' after an event. Milla added: 'She clapped her hands right in my face to get my attention and as a signal for people to listen to her. 'It was so disrespectful, like she was addressing children rather than a coach full of adult women. 'It was a small incident but it showed what they really thought of us and how little respect we were being treated with.' 6 Milla talks to India media as part of her finalist duties Credit: Neil Hope 6 Milla said: 'I felt pressure to conform and it was made clear if I didn't then I wasn't going to win or get far' Credit: Supplied 6 Milla's place in the final will now be taken by Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant Credit: SWNS Milla rang home in tears and told her mum she and other contestants were being exploited. On May 16 she told organisers she was standing down and flew home to Newquay, Cornwall. Milla's place in the final will now be taken by Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant, 25, the current Miss Liverpool. The live-streamed final will air in over 180 countries next Saturday. Milla, a lifeguard and keen surfer, had been thrilled to win Miss England last May and was our first plus-size Miss World entrant. She used her status to launch her Go Far With CPR campaign, backed by the Prince of Wales. Milla added: 'As Miss England I was told the role would be 'beauty with a purpose' — and it was. I've campaigned for the causes I am passionate about, and have a voice as any modern woman would expect. 'But (Miss World) is simply about the way you look and present yourself. 'As far as I could see it hasn't changed from the 1960s and '70s.' Milla said finalists were endlessly displayed in dresses only suitable for the Oscars. She said: 'I felt pressure to conform and it was made clear if I didn't then I wasn't going to win or get far. But after a short while I just thought, 'this is ridiculous' and started going out without any make-up and wearing appropriate clothes that you would actually wear to have breakfast. 'I couldn't take it any more. Miss World needs to change.' Angie Beasley, director of Miss England, said this week: 'We regret to announce that Milla Magee has returned home to the UK due to personal reasons. 'We stand fully by her decision - health must always come first.'
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Woke red tape stops British armoured vehicle-maker raising funds in the City
A BRITISH firm behind an in-demand armoured military vehicle dubbed 'The Jackal' is urging ministers to clear away red tape so the business can thrive. Devon-based Supacat says it is 'fighting a bit of a battle' to access finance — despite the popularity of the 7.6-ton bruiser which can tackle the roughest, bumpiest terrain. Advertisement 5 The Jackal, which Sun Business Editor Ashley Armstrong took for a spin Credit: Neil Hope 5 The Sun's Ashley at Supacat, which exports worldwide, making around £40million a year Credit: Neil Hope 5 Supacat is shunned by some investors, who consider defence firms unethical Credit: Neil Hope The Jackal, which Sun Business Editor Ashley Armstrong took for a spin, can carry 2.1 tons of cargo, such as missile launchers, medical supplies and drone killers. Supacat — which exports worldwide, making around £40million a year — recently won a new contract from the British Army. But it is shunned by some investors, who consider defence firms unethical as they do not have 'B Corp' status. CEO Nick Ames said the defence industry has not been 'top of the popularity tree' for more than a decade. Advertisement READ MORE BUSINESS NEWS WAT A MOVE Anthony Joshua in talks over 'serious investment' in ex-Premier League club And he said Supacat was unlikely to list in London to raise funds. He added: 'The City has for years said we, 'Don't do that sort of thing'. You'd like to see a lot more activity and liquidity on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market). You're more liquid as a business.' 5 CEO Nick Ames said the defence industry has not been 'top of the popularity tree' Credit: Neil Hope With global politics becoming increasingly fragile, the Government plans to increase military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP within two years. Advertisement Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey have pledged to give more of the Ministry of Defence budget to smaller British companies, such as Supacat. The firm, which employs 250, is known to many because Jeremy Clarkson uses one of its ex-Army six-wheelers to get around his Diddly Squat farm. Phil Applegarth, head of Supacat, said: 'For the first time in our lives defence spending, which has always been cut, is rising. Keir Starmer must hike UK defence spending soon to have any credibility & ditching woke nonsense can help fund it 'To get in on this ride up we need skilled people, enthusiastic people who aren't frightened to go and join defence firms rather than be shoe-horned into B Corp. Advertisement 'There is a real sense of pride in working on what we do. We're making something that is vital. It's keeping our forces safe.' He added: 'We need to build up capability now to be the deterrent that prevents a potential war.' Mr Applegarth said the defence industry was waiting for the Government to outline its Strategic Defence Review, which is delaying investment. He added: 'There seems to be a desire to wait rather than keep going and then change. Advertisement 'You're hearing a lot of top-level speeches saying, 'Prepare, prepare' but the best we could have is longer-term contracts. The longer it is, the more we can invest in resources and skills. 'The current spiky ordering doesn't help as we have to keep getting fresh prices from the supply chain — switching the supply chain on and off rather than keeping it warm and running.' BAE TO RECRUIT 2,400 WORKERS DEFENCE giant BAE wants to hire 2,400 apprentices, graduates and undergrads this year as it gears up to meet soaring demand. It has also shrugged off the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs, insisting it builds systems for the US Department of Defense in its US factories with a domestic supply chain. BAE said yesterday it expected to grow sales by up to 9 per cent and earnings 10 per cent as it wins more contracts for combat aircraft and vehicles, missile systems, artillery, sensor technology and drones. WIND AXE BLOW FOR GREEN ED 5 Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's wants to quadruple the number of offshore wind farms by 2030 Credit: Getty THE Government's Clean Power push looks increasingly far-fetched after a Danish firm axed a major offshore wind project, blaming higher costs. Advertisement Orsted said it will not go ahead with its Hornsea project, where 180 wind turbines off the Yorkshire coast were to power millions of homes. It is a blow to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's desire to quadruple the number of offshore wind farms by 2030. Orsted's chief exec Rasmus Errboe said that the project was unlikely to provide value for money because of 'increased supply chain costs, higher interest rates and increased execution risk'. Andy Mayer, analyst at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: 'It is a reminder of the folly of legally binding climate targets. Advertisement "The Government's plan to decarbonise the power grid by 2030 denies real trade-offs between lower emissions, energy security and affordability.'
