Ireland as an opponent hold a special significance for Sam Cane.

"Absolutely impossible," said John Cleese on a Monty Python reunion. But it seems he'll be eating his words with news the comedy group will reunite for a stage show.

The Mediterranean island of Sardinia, prized by the jet-set for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear seas, became a flood-ravaged mud bath after a freak torrential rainstorm killed at least 17 people, downed bridges and swept away cars.