A TikToker claims he has found the fastest London bus on the TfL network based on average speed. User 'theblacktrainboy' said the 246 from Westerham in Kent to Bromley North holds the title of the fastest London bus with an average speed of 18mph when stops are all taken into account.
He said the bus journey is 15 miles long and takes between 36 to 56 minutes to complete. The route goes through Biggin Hill, Keston and Hayes in Bromley passing through the "ravishing and dazzling" country hills of Kent.
The TikToker said in his video: "The speeds that the bus went at was wicked. I tried to sleep for two minutes but I woke up straight away because I thought I was gonna die. It's not normal for a bus to be that fast." The average London bus travels at just over 9mph.
He rode the bus all the way out to Westerham, he said: "Passing over the M25 meant that I was pretty far from home." Finally he made it to his destination just three minutes later. "As quickly as it came, it left," he said.
The bus comes every 30 to 60 minutes, the TikToker said so now he was worried about his journey back, not wanting to miss and have to wait a while. "Thankfully the same bus that got me there took me back," the TikToker said, "and I cannot convey to you guys how quick that bus journey was."
He said the speed of the bus can be partly attributed to the fact that many of the stops were empty so the bus could just drive on and miss them out and maintain its high average speed.
This is another service in contention of being the fastest bus - the N321. The bus route is rare as it terminates at a supermarket at each end of its journey (Image: MrMaguire / Creative Commons)
However, there are other bus services in contention for the fastest bus service on the TfL network, namely the N321 which has an average speed of 18.3mph according to MyLondon calculations using 2023 data. It travels its 51 stops over nearly 10 miles. It is just 0.1mph faster than the next one which is the N213. Read the full list here of the top fastest buses.
If you live in a fully furnished rented flat and want to switch up your colour scheme, this armchair cover from Dunelm is worth looking at. The Isla Arm Chair Cover is £30 and comes in four colours - grey, cream, green and blue. The two-part armchair cover includes foam cylinders, for help with excess fabric.
It is also a good option for people who want to invest in a new armchair but would rather opt for a budget-friendly alternative. Dunelm describes the cover as offering you an 'instant and affordable style refresh'. It is also great to use as a preventative measure against spills and stains - particularly if you have a pet or young children.
The measurements of the cover are width 80 x height 120cm. It fit chair sizes of 32-47 inches in width. It is also machine washable and can be tumble dried on a low setting. The cover has a 4.4-out-of-five star rating and plenty of glowing reviews.
One customer rated it five-stars, writing: "I bought this cover to protect my leather chair as my rescue Bichon Frese dog jumps up on it to look out of the window as bark at people passing by. Previously l had put a throw over but it looked really scruffy. This cover not only protects my leather chair but also looks really smart. It enhances my lounge now while keeping it protected. Perhaps my new rescue dog will eventually realise he doesn’t need to protect me quite so much but l still think l will keep the cover on as it looks so stylish."
A second shopper added: "Ordered this as have the three seater sofa cover too. Both needed to cover an old leather sofa and chair which is the wrong colour for room. Good fit for chair and very warm and comfortable to sit on. Much cheaper than buying new furniture for a room only used in winter months."
A third said: "I love the feel and look of this cover, it’s given my very tired love chair a new lease of life without spending hundreds! Already a lot of compliments. I don’t agree with any of the bad reviews at all. I was worried it wouldn’t fit my very big lazy chair but it fits lovely with no bagging at all!"
Isla Arm Chair Cover, £30 (Image: Dunelm)
Not all fans were happy, with one saying it was too baggy. They wrote: "I could not believe how baggy this chair cover was and did think I had been sent a sofa cover by mistake. My chair fits the same Isla armchair dimensions stated on the website so expected a snug fit but the cover was enormous."
A second simply added: "Nice quality but it doesn’t fit the chair shape shown in this picture." Amazon also sells a range of armchair covers, including this £29.99 Granbest High Stretch Armchair Cover. It is available in a wide range of colours including grey, pink, sage green, cream, blue and more.
If you'd rather invest in a new armchair this Argos Fabric Rocking Chair is on sale for £79, down from £100. The neutral-coloured chair is described as the 'ideal fit for an office, conservatory or nursery'. It has a reversible seat and will need to be assembled.
A teenager has been taken to hospital, marking the second stabbing to take place in Harrow in just over four hours. Met Police officers are appealing for information on the incident.
Officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) paramedics were called to Alexandra Avenue, in Harrow, to reports of a stabbing yesterday (Wednesday, September 11) at 10.59pm. A teenage boy was found to have been stabbed and was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. His injuries have been assessed as non-life threatening.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “Police were called at 10.59pm on Wednesday, September 11 to reports of a stabbing on Alexandra Avenue, Harrow. Officers attended along with paramedics from LAS and found a teenager had been stabbed.
Police are appealing for information on the Alexandra Avenue incident (Image: Google Street View)
“The young man was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. His injuries have been assessed as non-life threatening or changing. No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7827/11SEP. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The incident took place just hours after another stabbing in the Harrow area. A man was also taken to hospital with stab wounds, after police were called to Dudley Road, Harrow, at around 6.50pm yesterday.
A statement for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “Police were called at around 6.50pm on Wednesday, September 11, to a man stabbed in Dudley Road, Harrow.
“The man was taken to hospital - condition assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing. Two males have been arrested in connection with the incident.”
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
EastEnders fans are up in arms after the beloved BBC One soap was snubbed at the National Television Awards, despite multiple nominations. The awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, took place live from the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London on Wednesday evening (September 11), celebrating the creme de la creme of TV over the past year.
However, EastEnders failed to bag a single award, even though it was nominated for Serial Drama Performance and Serial Drama. Angela Wynter, who plays Walford's Yolande Trueman, and Diane Parish, known for her role as Denise Fox, were both in the running for best drama performance.
The award, however, went to Peter Ash for his portrayal of Paul Foreman in Coronation Street, following his character's heartbreaking motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.
Angela Wynter, who plays Walford's Yolande Trueman, and Diane Parish, known for her role as Denise Fox, were both in the running for best drama performance (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
In the best serial drama category, EastEnders was up against Casualty, Corrie, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. However, it was rival soap Emmerdale that clinched the award, reports the Daily Star.
Fans of the BBC soap were left seething as EastEnders left the NTAs without a single accolade. On X, one disgruntled viewer wrote: "Emmerdale! Are you kidding me! #Eastenders , you were robbed. Robbed, i tell you #NTAs."
Another chimed in: "Eastenders not winning best soap, this award show is a joke #NTAs," while a third lamented: "EastEnders writers have been streets ahead of the rest the last year, surprised they didn't get the recognition tonight. #NTAs."
Peter Ash won the award for Serial Drama Performance at the NTAS (Image: Kate Green/Getty Images for the NTA's)
One viewer expressed their opinion, tweeting: "Emmerdale has been good recently so deserved but EastEnders still robbed of the serial drama award #NTAs."
Another frustrated fan commented: "Sounds like the #NTAs were a disaster across the board? Ant and Dec still winning somehow, Mrs.Browns Boys AND Eastenders not getting best soap? The NTAs are a scam! !".
EastEnders fans are pleading for Sharon Watts, portrayed by Letitia Dean, to bring her cellmate Dor back to Walford when she's released. Sharon found herself behind bars for a week due to contempt of court and encountered Chrissie Watts, her ex-stepmother, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman.
The two women had a seemingly heartfelt conversation, with Sharon appearing to forgive Chrissie for murdering her father, Den Watts. However, Chrissie was secretly plotting against Sharon, instructing another inmate to teach her a lesson.
Fortunately, Sharon found an unexpected ally in her cellmate Doreen, played by Sonia Ritter, and even joined her in the laundry room. When a hostile inmate named Angel started intimidating Sharon, Chrissie pretended to warn her off, subtly hinting that it wasn't the right time or place for their scheme.
Sharon Watts is having a rough ride in prison (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Unaware of Chrissie's 'true' intentions, Sharon believed she was on her side and kept a low profile in the laundry room. But when left alone, she was ambushed by threatening inmates who brandished a weapon while Sharon begged for mercy.
After hearing Angel call her "Princess", Sharon wondered where they got her nickname from, oblivious to the fact that Chrissie was behind this. A riot later ensued, giving Chrissie the opportunity to seize Sharon and hold her captive in another cell, reports the Daily Star.
"You know me, I never forget a grudge," said Chrissie, brandishing a weapon and declaring her determination to settle the score with Sharon.
Despite being behind bars, Doreen captured the hearts of EastEnders viewers who are clamouring for her to become a staple in the show.
Sharon found an unlikely friend in her cellmate Doreen (Image: BBC)
One enthusiastic fan took to social media, posting: "Can someone break ar Dor out of prison and make her a main character #Eastenders." (sic)
Meanwhile, another fan expressed their newfound adoration: "Obsessed with Dor. Need Sharon to bring her to the square like Stacey did with Eve #EastEnders." (sic)
A third commenter envisioned a future for Doreen on the Square: "Few months time, I want Doreen Coleman to rock up in Albert Square looking for Shazza when she's been freed from HMP Walford. Get ar Dor in the laundrette ASAP #EastEnders." (sic)
The EastEnders community also rallied around Doreen in protective spirit, with one person advocating: "Our Dor needs protecting at all costs. #EastEnders". (sic)
EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
As summer draws to a close, many of us will enjoy a quiet autumn before the chaos begins in the run-up to Christmas. Like so many things, the enjoyment of Christmas is as much in the preparation as on the big day of December 25, and Europe once again draws millions of Britons over to enjoy the warm, fuzzy glow of Christmas markets, towering trees and sparkling handmade ornaments... and, of course, beer.
Besides the well-trodden Christmas markets Munich, Cologne, Salzburg and Budapest, another European city offers an enticing festive experience. Graz is Austria's second-largest city after the capital Vienna, and boasts a Christmas buzz like no other for those who venture there. As the historic centre of the Stygia region, it has two world heritage sites; the old town, said to be the biggest medieval district in Europe, and Eggenberg Palace. But before we delve into six of the city's magical Christmas markets, how do festive-feeling Brits make their way to Graz?
Carriers including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines operate flights from London Heathrow to Graz. A roundtrip from London Heathrow Airport to Graz, from Thursday, December 5, to Sunday, December 8, is priced at £181 with Austrian Airlines. The exact same trip can also be booked on Lufthansa for £180.49. A return flight with Swiss International Airlines over the same period will cost from £273.89.
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Beautiful Christmas decorations at Hauptplatz (main square) at night in the city centre of Graz (Image: Getty Images)
A stay in the city is also a steal. Three nights for two people at the city-centre Grazora Living Apartments, rated 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com, comes in at £203 from December 5 to 8. Another central residence, the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, costs £224 over the same period. Another highly-rated hotel, the Plaza Inn, is priced at £196 over the three days.
The first of Graz's wonderful Christmas fayres is the Advent Market in front of the City Hall, Hauptplaz, held from November 18 to December 24. Here, visitors will find a welcoming village of stalls, offering traditional arts and crafts as well as delicious treats. The local Christmas delicacy is "Feuerzangenbowle" - a blend of wine and rum set on fire. A traditional carousel will keep children entertained.
The oldest Christmas market in Graz is to be found in Old Town, outside the Franciscan church, again from November 18 to December 24. Tourists can marvel at farm-produced specialties, and enjoy Punsch and traditional Austrian Glühwein - a form of mulled wine - for a heart-warming pick-me-up. At the entrance to the church, children can delight in a nativity scene complete with real sheep, a carousel, and toys.
A third Christmas market in Graz much-loved by visitors is held in the square under the magical Glockenspiel. Besides a series of arts and crafts, local direct marketers and caterers offer delicacies from Styria. A wide range of handicraft demonstrations encourage people of all ages to participate. The market runs from November 18 to December 24.
People in Landhausof Courtyard admire the ice nativity scene, a traditional feature of Christmas in Graz, made using about 50 tons of crystal ice. (Image: Flavio Vallenari / Getty Images)
A fourth Christmas market at the Mariahilferplatz sees the square transformed into WonderLEND, an alternative festive fayre with a big wheel and curling rink, while tourists can browse through the market stalls to the beat of Indie music, running from November 18 to December 23.
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For a stunning visual feast, visitors to Graz can enjoy an Ice Nativity in the Landhaushof Courtyard in Herrengasse - featuring life-sized figures lit up in LED glory. Since 1996, the unique nativity scene carved out of crystal-clear ice has been displayed each year in the Landhaushof, a beautiful renaissance yard in Graz. The courtyard is open to the public from November 25 to January 6.
A sixth Christmas market, the Arts and Crafts Market on Färberplatz Square, is held from November 24 to December 23, with handmade goods from cloth, clay, wood, metal, paper, wax, and glass.
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Sir David Jason, best known for his iconic role as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, has been a staple of British comedy and drama for years. The BBC sitcom, which first aired in 1981, follows the adventures of Del Boy and the Trotter family as they attempt to strike it rich.
Born David John White in 1940, Sir David's illustrious career includes roles such as Granville in Open All Hours, Blanco in Porridge, Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, and DI Frost in A Touch of Frost, among many others.
However, it seems that acting talent runs in the family, as Sir David's brother is also a well-known actor. Arthur White, 91, has appeared alongside his younger brother in several episodes of the police crime drama A Touch of Frost, where he played PC Ernie Trigg.
Only Fools and Horses' Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield), Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst)
Born in London in 1933, Arthur has had a successful acting career, featuring in numerous popular television series. In 1996, he starred in Goodnight Sweetheart, which also featured Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, in the lead role of Gary Sparrow.
From 1995 to 2001, Arthur portrayed Derek in the ITV series London's Burning, before taking on the role of Albert Fogerty in Heartbeat. He also landed the part of Sidney Bickton in Holby City in 2006, reports the Express.
Arthur's other television appearances include Doctors, Family Affairs Grange Hill, and many more roles dating back to the 1950s.
David Jason and his brother Arthur White in a Touch of Frost
In addition to sharing the screen with Sir David in A Touch of Frost, the siblings were also seen together in another hit series.
Arthur joined his brother David on The Darling Buds of May, appearing as Uncle Pearce in two episodes back in 1991.
Fast forward to 2010, Arthur was featured in the documentary 13 Hours That Saved Britain, which delves into the pivotal events of the Battle of Britain.
During the documentary, Arthur shared his personal experiences of living through World War Two and residing in London during the Blitz.
