With Uranus shaking things up, fresh possibilities are everywhere if you’re ready to embrace them.

Leo, the spotlight is yours, so promote your talents and step forward with confidence. Scorpio, a chance encounter could shift your perspective and open unexpected doors.

Sagittarius, change is calling, and the boldest choice may be the right one. Gemini, trust your instincts but be open to new ideas – this is no time for the usual path.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today Wednesday 2, April 2025.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox. To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

With Mars linking to Uranus, you’ll be keen to explore new ways to increase your income and to promote your unique qualities and special talents. A focus on your money zone ramps-up your desire for security by making use of innovative ideas that could improve your quality of life. Have a big project on? Harness your vivid imagination, but aim to be practical too, Aries.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

An innovative tie to Uranus brings a chance of fresh opportunities. Events or conversations over the days ahead could spur you into action. And perceptive insights may leave you with a better idea of what your next steps should be. Exciting and dynamic opportunities may be on the cards, but with Mercury and Venus rewinding, don’t start anything without in-depth research first.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

While you may be curious about the possibilities concerning a new opportunity, trust your instincts as to whether you should go ahead or not. As things stand, your plan might need to be tweaked if it’s to work. Don’t go for the tried and trusted though. Instead, embrace new ideas. Seeking a bit of a respite from life’s stresses and strains? Yoga or meditation may help you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Sizzling developments in your social sector can see positive change occurring, inspiring you to move in new circles and develop other interests. The emphasis on friendships and community hints that this can be a good time to join in with a project that might benefit others in your area. Have a dream that’s deeply important to you? Now is a good time to do some research.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

A link to wildcard Uranus, one of the bigger players in the solar system, gets you thinking. And its activity in a prominent zone looks livelier over coming days. There’s potential for a new phase, and if you’re ready, the message from the cosmos is loud and clear. It encourages you to play to your strengths and promote your skills in as many ways as you can. Don’t wait too long!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

An innovative aspect is a call to embrace ideas that take you into new territory. And with key planets urging you on, the coming days could bring news or information that create ripples of interest. This is the ideal time to step out in faith and explore the potential associated with a personal dream or golden opportunity. If you get the travel bug, it’s a good time for a break.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

A more sensitive and emotional sector of your chart is now in focus. With Mars linking to the revolutionary planet Uranus, use this influence to let go of emotional patterns that could hold you back from living life to the full. With other key aspects spurring you on, there’s no better time to commit to a fresh start Libra, and to take those necessary steps to make it happen.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

As electric Uranus continues to enliven your sector of relating, the idea of freedom and independence could be an ongoing issue. There’s the possibility of an encounter with someone who has an inspiring approach to life. They might help you to see fresh possibilities everywhere. Getting together for a relaxed chat or even collaborating, could be just the tonic you need.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Edgy Uranus and its unpredictable and independent energies, may have brought change to your lifestyle due to personal decisions or key events. If you have a choice to make, you may just go with the one that’s different and more exciting than the others. The current line-up encourages you to explore options for an uplifting and dynamic shift that’s perfect for you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

As Mars makes a wild connection, you may be inspired to experiment with interests you’ve never tried. Keen to look at ways to express your unique qualities? This could be liberating if you can lose the worry of what others might think. Is there something you’ve been meaning to try that would make you happy? This is an excellent time to experiment, as you have everything to gain.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You may have an ideal image of how a room or other area of your home should look. But before you dive in and start getting hold of paper, paint or other DIY essentials, check out the cost. And while key planets may inspire you to make a start, Saturn in Pisces puts the emphasis on beauty as well as practicality. A combination of both could be perfect for getting the right look.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Been meaning to start a new project? Whether it’s a website, blog, a course of study or a novel, the focus on your sector of talk and thought encourages you to get going. With Mercury and Venus reversing in your sign, you could so easily put this off, preferring to think about it rather than take those first steps. But links to Saturn can push you to take this idea very seriously.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

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Caudalie is a premium beauty brand, which is loved by numerous celebrities, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. 

When people think of the French skincare label, they often think of the Vinoperfect range, or the Beauty Elixir spray, which we adore, though there are plenty of other products in the collection to have on your radar. 

Caudalie has expanded its collection of beauty essentials into tanning – but we don’t mean just SPF, the beauty giant has made its first foray into self tanning drops. 

Caudalie is set to launch its first ever face tanning drops, otherwise known as Self-Tan Sun Drops, which we have been fortunate to get our hands on.  Let’s just say it’s impressive!

Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops

Infused with antioxidant organic grape water, which works to brighten and hydrate the skin, while also offering a sun-kissed glow. The 99% natural formula is lightweight, dries quickly and is long-lasting. Apply two to four drops in a moisturiser for a natural streak-free glow. It’s also fragrance and alcohol-free.

BUY FOR £19 at cult beauty

It may come as no surprise to learn the Self-Tan Sun Drops are lightweight on the skin when we consider how gentle Caudalie products, plus it leaves the skin bronzed and dewy. 

The Self-Tan Sun Drops are a skincare and beauty hybrid as it not only gives the skin a sun-kissed glow, but the inclusion of organic grape water, which is an antioxidant, works to brighten, hydrate and protect the skin too.

I have tried a variety of fake tan serums, mists and sprays for the face, but Caudalie’s creation may just be my favourite yet. Why? Because it is easy to use, does not streak, and it’s long-lasting.  I can complete my full morning and evening skincare regime, and my bronzed complexion (courtesy of Caudalie’s Sun Drops) stays put for a few days. 

Fake tan products often leave that biscuit or raw egg smell, even if the brand claims it doesn’t it often does.  But Caudalie’s Sun Drops truly do not leave any fake tan scents in its wake, which I much prefer. 

From previous experience, some face tan serums contribute to breakouts, or clog my pores, so I was pleasantly surprised Caudalie’s Sun Drops did not cause any blemishes, or blackouts, during and for the days after I applied the drops. 

The drops are a lighter consistency than some serums, which is another reason why I love the formula. It absorbs instantly into my skin and doesn’t leave a greasy or tacky residue.  

Caudalie recommends blending two to four drops with your everyday moisturiser, and even still, the Sun Drops achieve an even glow and naturally sunkissed complexion. 

The Sun Drops are set to launch on March 15, and I urge you to shop these immediately before they sell out. 

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Travellers flying from UK airports may want to plan their journey carefully, as new data has revealed the airports where you’re most likely to lose your luggage or have your flight cancelled.

Travel company Bounce examined passenger complaints, cancellation rates, and customer satisfaction from 2022 to 2024, finding that several major UK airports have consistently struggled with luggage handling. 

And when it comes keeping hold of your bags Southampton Airport topped the list as the UK airport most likely to lose your luggage.

According to the research, Southampton had the highest number of baggage complaints, with 0.18 per 100,000 passengers.

It also had the highest overall complaint rate at 4.42%, ranked the second worst for flight cancellations at 3.63% and received a low overall rating of three out of ten.

London airports Heathrow and Gatwick also ranked poorly for baggage handling, with 0.16 and 0.15 complaints per 100,000 passengers, respectively.

However, travellers looking for pristine luggage handling might want to consider flying from Liverpool, Bournemouth or Cardiff; the three airports each received 0 complaints per 100,000 passengers for lost luggage, according to the study.

In terms of cancelled journeys, Aberdeen ranked the worst across the UK, with 4.25% of all departures scrapped in 2024 alone.

‘This equates to more than one in 25 flights being cancelled and is more than three times the UK average across all airports in our study, which stands at 1.34%,’ read the Bounce report.

While your bags may be in better hands, as Aberdeen only received 0.08% lost luggage complaints per 100,000 passengers for lost bags between 2022 and 2024, it still only received a low overall score of 4.7 out of 10. 

The Bounce study considered multiple factors for its rankings, including Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) complaints, cancellation rates, flight delay times, and passenger ratings for queuing, cleanliness and navigation. 

It found Manchester Airport to be the most problematic all round, with an overall score of 2.39 out of 10.

The airport scored two out of five for cleanliness, ease of navigation and queuing times – the lowest across each category. 

It also received a high number of complaints to the Civil Aviation Authority, with 2.59 per 100,000 passengers and an average delay time of 20.01 minutes, alongside 0.15 lost luggage complaints per 100,000 passengers.

London Gatwick earned the second lowest overall rating of the study, receiving just 2.6 out of ten. It also recorded a high cancellation rate of 1.43% and had the highest average flight delay of 23 minutes.

Southampton Airport followed closely, ranking as the third most problematic airport overall, with a rating of just 3.01 out of 10.

Cody Candee, CEO and Founder at Bounce said: ‘This research shows that UK airports have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to providing an efficient and streamlined service to travelers. 

‘This poor performance puts a lot of pressure on flyers who have to navigate the often confusing airport signage and long security queuing times.

‘With this in mind, travelers should prepare appropriately for their airport experience to be as straightforward as possible.’

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Fancy a jaunt to Europe this Spring?

If you’re planning a getaway, Eurostar is often the most convenient way to get to the continent, with trains running to popular city break destinations like Paris and Amsterdam.

And in an exciting turn of events, the train company has launched a huge flash sale, with £35 off selected routes.

But, you’ll have to be quick. The sale will last for a handful of days, ending on April 3 at 22:59.

Which destinations can you book tickets to in the Eurostar flash sale?

The cheap tickets are only available for travel from:

• London and Paris, Lille, Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Brussels between April 23 and July 9, 2025.

How cheap are tickets in the Eurostar flash sale?

Eurostar say that £35 is for a Eurostar Standard one-way ticket from London to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

We headed to the Eurostar website to check it out, and there are indeed £35 tickets to be had. Tickets for a long weekend in Paris in May (May 3 to May 6) could be purchased for £35 each way (£70 return), while you can get to Lille for the same price the weekend (May 9 to May 12).

You might have to be a little flexible with your times though. The cheap £35 tickets tend to be available for either early morning or evening routes. On May 3, Eurostar currently only offers £35 tickets from London to Paris at 07:01pm.

However, on the return trip on May 6, you have more choice, with £35 tickets available between 07:12am and 05:10pm.

It’s hard to believe that the idea of the Channel Tunnel itself – the world’s longest undersea tunnel at 31.5 miles long – was actually first conceived way back in 1802, although construction didn’t start until 1988.

Since the high-speed train service began over 30 years ago, connecting the UK to mainland Europe, the fleet of 28 trains has carried an estimated 150 million passengers.

It was finally completely in 1993, and the Eurostar began its service in November 1994.

The best things to do in Lille

While you might have already been to Paris or Amsterdam, Lille is an often overlooked French city that has lots to offer tourists looking for a fun city break. Previously speaking to Metro, Sarah Ewing shared her top tips when visiting:

Don’t leave without: With its Flemish heritage and 17th-century red-brick townhouses, charming Lille has a vibrant art scene. La Piscine de Roubaix is an art museum in a former swimming pool – and a must-see.

Transport advice: The most efficient public transport options are trams and buses.

Best-kept secret: France might be famed for its wine, but Lille is the country’s beer capital, home to historic craft breweries. It hosts a beer festival every September – last year, there were 100 events dedicated to craft beer in bars, restaurants and breweries.

Budget tips: Looking to bring a taste of France home that won’t break the bank? Visit Marché Wazemmes on Place de la Nouvelle – it’s one of the biggest markets in France, selling produce, beautiful gifts like honey and soaps, and is a great place to get lunch-to-go.

Where to eat: ‘L’Atelier Street Food is great value and known for its pre-match atmosphere. Soho Urban Food is a contemporary buffet-style restaurant with a great brunch and cocktails.

Where to stay: Hôtel Brueghel is centrally located and close to Gare Lille Flandres.

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Forget fairytale endings and ‘happily ever afters’, because plenty of marriages hit stumbling blocks in the first year — as TV personality Vicky Pattison has found out.

The star has admitted she and husband Ercan Ramadan are sleeping in separate beds after a ‘difficult’ first year of marriage. The 37-year-old faced intense backlash after ‘leaking’ her own deepfake sex tape as part of a Channel 4 documentary.

‘I don’t think it’s how anyone anticipates, their first six months of marriage, you know, it’s a very alien experience,’ she said on BBC’s Woman’s Hour,

‘I mean it has been difficult, I have been frustrated, I have been upset and I have been overwhelmed quite a lot. So even without thinking about, the deepfake itself, I haven’t been a joy to live with quite frankly and I do feel for my husband but he’s very supportive.’

Though Vicky’s story is perhaps a little niche, realising the honeymoon period has ended faster than you anticipated is not.

We asked Jo Coker, director of therapy and training standards at the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists, to tell us some of the most common problems newlyweds raise in couples therapy.

The comedown

Focusing on the wedding – not the marriage – is one of the most common causes of early marriage breakdown, says Jo.

‘Couples have planned their wedding for a year, maybe more and may have aimed for perfection, which may have worked or not. There is then fall out about how near to perfection they achieved, and the postmortem,’ she tells Metro.

She’s heard coupes dwelling on ‘what went wrong’, even when it’s something out of their control, such as the weather. In other cases, the planning itself may have led to a disconnect.

‘They may well have lost each other and what their relationship is about, as such they can find themselves on honeymoon with little to say to each other,” she says.

‘In therapy we would work on resetting the relationship how and why the wedding became so big and took over, plus how to reconnect relationally.’

As a first step, try to think about why you first fell in love and what you enjoyed doing together. Build from there.

The family

For many, a wedding also symbolises the coming together of two families, but that can be complex – particularly if if there are different cultures, religions or political beliefs to juggle.

‘If the marriage involved blending a family this too can be difficult. Just because you love your partner does not mean you love their child,’ says Jo.

In therapy, she would encourage couples to ‘work on understanding differences and respecting them while setting appropriate boundaries’.

‘With blended families you often have the relationships with the children, their parents and different sets of grandparents, so it can be difficult. We would try and help the couple work openly and positively with these relationships and encourage them to not automatically take offence and to keep expectations realistic.’

An example of this may simply be acknowledging that children can be difficult and it may not be because of you – don’t personalise it!

Sex

Sex may have been hot before marriage, but it may cool off in the months after for many reasons.

‘Workload, familiarity, or just the natural passage of time in a relationship’ are frequent topics of discussion in therapy, says Jo. ‘It can be that couples stop making the effort they made beforehand.’

To combat this, she recommends reflecting on your relationship history together. ‘Has sex changed, or has it always been an issue that has been ignored in pursuit of the wedding?’ Jo asks.

Reminiscing about the best sex you’ve had together might be enough to get the ball rolling, but don’t forget to address the true issues behind your dry spell.

Discussing how to revive a sexless marriage, relationship expert and author Lucy Beresford previously told Metro: ‘The right amount of sex is different for every couple, so start by having conversations about the current situation to find out how your partner feels and to state your own needs gently.

‘Make sure you have these conversations when you both have time to give each other space to state your needs and listen to each other, and keep the focus positive and with no judgement or blame.

‘Explore whether your partner feels the lack of sex is because of a non-sexual relationship issue. For example if they feel you’re distracted, not making time for them, or not supporting them emotionally, you both need to work together on that issue first.’

Division of labour

Even if couples have lived together for a long time, the division of household chores is a common cause of conflict among newlyweds.

Jo spends a lot of time unpacking ‘who does what and who is resentful that they are doing more’ which often ‘impacts on sex and relationship functioning’.

They only way to solve this problem is better communication, which leads Jo to her final point…

Communication

Ahh, that old chestnut. You’re both saying your piece, but are you really hearing each other?

‘Couples are often poor at this, and it often gets lost in the wedding,’ says Jo. ‘However, communication is the most vital skill for a relationship. [It’s about] how to articulate what you require and need without being aggressive or seeing a request as a negative.’

Couples therapy can help you both to develop these skills. For example, you might learn to use ‘I’ sentences to discuss your own needs, instead of placing blame with ‘you’. You can also learn to ‘listen actively,’ by checking what your partner needs and going back to them for clarification if you’re not sure.

Above all, remember the old saying: marriage is hard work. If the first 12 months feel easy, you’re the exception, not the rule.

From a nation of experts on sarcasm and self-deprecating humour, to Sunday afternoons strictly consisting of roast dinners at the local, we Brits have plenty of traits and habits they’re fiercely proud of.

However, some traditions or rites of passage have ingrained themselves into British culture, despite not even originating from the United Kingdom.

In fact, some have become so ‘British’ that many people just assume they are.

Intrigued as to what has made the cut?

Here are seven things people think are British but actually aren’t.

1. Tea

There’s no denying that a ‘cuppa’ is a quintessential British staple. According to the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), around 84% of the UK population drinks tea every day, consuming roughly 100 million cups daily.

And of course, you’ll also never step foot in a British household without being offered a cup of tea.

Despite this, tea does not come from the UK. Rather, Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant, is believed to have originated in the borderlands of China and northern Myanmar.

One of the earliest accounts of tea drinking dates back to China’s Shang dynasty, which took place between 1600 and 1046 BCE. During this time, tea was consumed for medicinal purposes. It wasn’t until the 17th century when tea drinking became popular in the UK.

The British East India Company introduced commercial tea production to British India to compete with the Chinese tea market

2. Fish and chips

This is a bit of a trick one, because the fish and chip concept we know so well today is British through and through. Not to mention the ‘chippy culture’ that has become so popular up and down the country. (Did you know there are about 11,000 fish and chips shops throughout the UK and Ireland?)

However, in terms of the origin of the humble battered fish, its roots date back to the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean. Like so many iconic dishes, it was created out of necessity, not culinary genius.

During the 16th century, when Jews were facing persecution across Portugal and Spain, many resettled in the UK.

As well as the clothes on their backs, they also brought their ‘pescado frito’ recipe, which literally translates to ‘fried fish’ in English

3. Pubs

From a cheeky after-work pint to a beer garden session as soon as the sun comes out, it’s no secret that the British love pub culture.

But even though 15 million people visit a pub at least once a week, according to London Drink’s Guide, we cannot claim the mighty pub as our own.

Instead, we owe our love of the pub to the Romans, who opened up establishments called ‘tabernae’ to serve wine to soldiers and travellers along the newly constructed Roman road network.

The Romans brought their ‘pubs’ to Britain when they invaded in 43 AD, which later evolved into ‘alehouses’ when they left. Finally, they morphed into the public houses we know today

4. Saint George

Yes, Saint George might be the English patron saint. Yes, there may have a whole day dedicated to him. And yes, the English flag may have a flag representing the patron saint of England. But the ironic thing about it? Saint George wasn’t even English.

He was born in Cappadocia (modern day Turkey) in the 3rd century AD to a Cappadocian father and a Palestinian mother, who was born in Lydda (modern day Lod, in Israel).

It’s also highly unlikely that Saint George ever visited or moved to England. However, his popularity in England grew in the Middle Ages because of his association with chivalry and bravery, especially during the Crusades and the Hundred Years’ War.

King Edward III also had a major influence on Saint George’s popularity. When he founded the Order of the Garter in 1348, he dedicated it to Saint George and made him the patron saint of the Order.

5. Remembrance poppies

Not to be confused with Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, which originated in Great Britain on November 11, 1919, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

As for remembrance poppies, the idea was all down to American humanitarian Moina Michael, who campaigned to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance of those who had died in the war.

She was inspired by Canadian doctor John McCrae’s poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, which he wrote whilst serving in Ypres in 1915. The line in question read: ‘And now the Torch and Poppy Red, we wear in honor of our dead’.

Following Michael’s campaigning, in 1921, French lecturer, fundraiser and humanitarian, Anna Guérin, had the idea to wear artificial poppies made by French widows and orphans.

Her aim was to remember those who gave their lives during the war, but also to raise funds to support the families of the fallen and those who had survived.

Later that year, the Royal British Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and ordered a million poppies from Guérin in France. Further production in Britain was also commissioned.

6. Werther’s Original

Though you may associate Werther’s Originals with British grandparents (every UK kid will have memories of their grandma or grandad offering them the iconic caramel candy from an old tin at one point in their lives), they’re actually a product of Germany.

Both the Werther’s Original brand and the flavoursome butter caramel recipe were created in the small town of Werther in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The founder was a confectioner called Gustav Nebel, who developed the recipe in 1909.

7. Tomato ketchup

There’s always been a debate over whether ketchup was invented in the UK or the US. But the funny thing about the whole argument is that the beloved condiment originates from neither.

And you’ll likely never guess its roots, mainly because tomato ketchup never actually featured tomatoes in its early days.

In the 17th century in early China, it began as a fermented fish sauce and resembled more of a soy sauce, dark and thin in texture.

British sailors bought the sauce from Chinese traders, which was called ke-tsiapor ke-tchup at the time, as a relief from the dry salt pork they ate on the seas.

After becoming a popular condiment along the Southeast Asian trade route, British sailors eventually brought it back to Europe, where various regional adaptations took place.

Some of these versions included tomato-based sauces created in the 19th century, which over the years, have evolved into the tasty ketchup we use today.

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A stone’s throw from the upmarket Hampstead Heath, Kentish Town is famous for its colourful houses, top-notch pubs, and diverse restaurant scene.

Now, it could be set to become the UK’s answer to Hollywood, as plans for a £1,000,000,000 quarter dedicated almost entirely to filmmaking have just been adopted by Camden Council.

It’s no secret that the neighbouring Camden Town already has its roots firmly in the creative scene. After all, it was famously the home of Amy Winehouse, The Clash shot the cover of their debut album there, and Pink Floyd played their first-ever gig at The Roundhouse.

Plus, to this day, The Hawley Arms – favoured by Amy as well as Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and even Noel Fielding – is still plastered in various pieces of signed memorabilia, including from Amy herself, who would often serve up customers behind the bar.

With planning permission pending, the new plans for Kentish Town – also in the borough of Camden – could see part of the north London neighbourhood turned into the aptly named Camden Film Quarter.

Spearheaded by real estate investment company Yoo Capital, the blueprint has been developed in partnership with the National Film and Television School and the London Screen Academy.

It envisages a ‘mix of creative space including film studios,’ as well as soundstages, workshop spaces and even studio tours for the public.

In 2024, Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, told Deadline of the plans: ‘I think that you could see a family coming to do a studio tour, see how movies are made and going into spaces where someone was filming, seeing golf carts go back and forth. They should feel like they’re in the film and television corner of London.’

Plus, the wider Regis Road development will see 1,000 new homes built, 50% of which will be affordable, as well as new pedestrian and cycle-friendly connections connecting Kentish Town to Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath.

There’ll be green spaces galore too, with the vision aiming to ‘support local biodiversity and enhance the area’s natural environment.’ And if it all gets given the go-ahead, work on the development could start as early as 2026.

It’s no secret that Kentish Town is already a lovely place to live.

Over on the r/London Subreddit, Kentish Town local @wmgregory notes that they love living in the area because it’s ‘not Camden Town (quieter),’ and has ‘nice pubs, cafés and shops’ as well as decent transport links in the form of ‘trains, tubes, overground, and buses.’

@Tubo_Mengmeng lived in Kentish Town for a year and a half, and ‘definitely rate[s] the area personally.’

‘[It’s] just [a] low key chill nice north London neighbourhood which floats my boat a bit more than somewhere trying too hard, def has overspill/seeping of the surrounding areas into it too which helps give it a bit more of an identity,’ they add.

And in @mejogid’s opinion, Kentish Town has ‘some of the best pubs in London,’ citing local watering holes The Pineapple, The Southampton Arms, Tapping the Admiral, The Rose & Crown and The Lion & Unicorn.

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Ribena has been a popular drink in the Uk for more than 80 years, having first been developed in the 1930s.

It was originally created as a blackcurrant syrup, high in vitamin C and was given out by the government to children and expectant mothers free of charge during World War II, as fruit with vitamin C was scarce at the time.

Today it’s enjoyed as a squash, but those who consume it regularly might have noticed it tastes a little bit different.

That’s because the drink’s recipe has recently undergone some changes, as has been confirmed by the brand itself. This included adding a natural blackcurrant flavour and removing the polydextrose.

They’ve also ‘very slightly’ reduced the amount of blackcurrant juice the product contains.

This confirmation follows complaints from customers who claimed it tasted ‘weird’ and demanded they ‘bring back the original’.

Taking to Facebook, Paul Thomas Spencer said: ‘I thought it tasted weird, I thought I’d got an odd bottle. It tastes cheap.’

As Kerry Enoch wrote: ‘Bring back the original Ribena from the 1970s, that was delicious.’

And Eddie Platt shared: ‘Nobody’s ever complained about the taste since day one, so why try and improve or fix things that are not broken?’

Mazy Von Peebles added: ‘It was perfect and now undrinkable. Thanks Ribena, kids crying now.’

Speaking about the changes, Sarah Fleetwood, head of marketing for Ribena, said: ‘We set ourselves the challenge of improving our Ribena Blackcurrant squash. The key ingredients remain – we’ve just re-balanced the recipe to deliver more of the unique Ribena taste that we know our consumers love.

‘After a year of trials, we’ve delivered a better tasting drink and in a taste test, two thirds of people preferred the improved recipe.

‘What hasn’t changed is the fact that Ribena is still made with 100% British blackcurrants and performs very favourably on “juice per serve” ratio compared to other squash drinks’.

This isn’t the first time the Ribena recipe has changed though, as it was also notably altered in April 2018, when artificial sweeteners were added to the drink, in response to the introduction of the government’s sugary drink tax.

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‘Barebacking’ the tube – also known as ‘rawdogging’ – involves passengers sitting without any form of entertainment and people-watching, staring at other passengers to pass the time.

The term was first coined by Curtis Morton, co-host of the Behind the Screens podcast, in a TikTok that’s since racked up nearly 100,000 views.

‘You’ve commuted enough times – why are you sitting there without a phone, without a book, just looking at me, looking at what’s going on? Keep yourself to yourself. Read a book – just do something,’ Curtis says in the clip, ranking the most annoying train travel habits.

Now, I’ll happily hold my hands up and admit that I take joy in ‘barebacking’ while I’m on the tube – but not for the reason you’d think.

For the vast majority of journeys, I’m usually either reading a book or listening to music, trying my best to look awkwardly at the floor so as not to irk other passengers.

As a rule, I try to avoid doomscrolling because it only sets my thoughts racing – and I’m trying to cut down on my screen time.

But every once in a while, I actively choose to put my headphones down and just sit with my thoughts. At the end of the day, I’m sometimes so overstimulated (I have ADHD) that I need to abandon all forms of entertainment and just decompress from it all.

And yes, I hate the screech of the tube – so I choose parts of the journey I know to be quieter if I’m going to remove my headphones completely, or sometimes, I just sit with them on top of my ears with nothing at all playing, so I get the muffled effect but without any music.

I never stare at people – I usually just sit and look at the floor, or if there’s a view to be found out of the window, I’ll admire that instead.

Living and working in London, it’s all too easy to become completely absorbed by our phones during the commute – so much so that we’re not really connecting with what’s around us.

So, every once in a while, I like to strip it all back and just sit and digest the day without anything at all. I consider it a treat, and one that’s necessary for me as a neurodivergent person.

Naturally, the concept of ‘barebacking’ has caused quite the stir among Metro readers, as @howard_hennes said that ‘staring at total strangers in a public place is rude and an invasion of privacy.’

However, there were plenty of commuters who, like me, admitted to regularly making it through their journey to work on straight vibes alone.

For @d_bell, it’s clear that ‘not everyone needs to be glued to a phone every minute of the day,’ while @MephistoPD127 said, ‘you often don’t have a signal on the tube’ anyway.

@lexxedit added that ‘staring is obviously rude,’ but they confessed that unless they have a long commute, they don’t use their ‘phone or a book.’

‘I like to see the scenery and look around. Could be my age, I’m nearly 75. But what is wrong with that? Times changed, but I didn’t.’ Fair enough.

And for @agach, ‘people watching’ is essential during their commute, as they ‘take pride in [the] fact that I am not glued to the phone all the time like the rest of the zombies.’

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Back in the good old days, April 1 was a time when you tried to pull a fast one over on your nearest and dearest, if you remembered the date.

But now April Fools’ Day has become a free-for-all for the biggest brands out there to play pranks on us, rendering the internet a no-go zone for 24 hours.

If you are brave enough to scroll on social media today you’ll have to weed your way through fake announcements and joke products, trying to work out what’s real and what’s not. To be honest, it’s kind of exhausting.

A number of silly hoaxes have already been shared online today, from the news that Love Island will be swapping Majorca for Canvey Island in Essex, to claims that a rooftop bar is opening on top of Big Ben.

Here are some of the best jokes from big names…

Cadbury Creme Egg On The Goo

Cadbury got in early on the jokes, with a video claiming they would be launching portable sachets of the goo inside a Creme Egg. The bizarre clip shows someone squeezing the goo all over a portion of chips, which caused a bit of a stir in the comments on Instagram.

They captioned the post writing: ‘Move over boring condiments, Creme Egg On The Goo is here.’

While some were horrified by the idea of putting it on fries, some people were keen for Cadbury to make it a reality, with @dazzmetalstorm saying: ‘That would be a good idea for an ice cream topping.’

And @clarecrazydoglady agreed it would be great ‘over chocolate cake.’

‘This needs to become real, this needs to become real, this needs to become real,’ begged @wayne.mcgarry89.

Heinz Dubai Beanz

By now we’ll have all come across the viral Dubai chocolate bar, which features pistachio and kadayif pastry.

It’s proved so popular that brands are starting to put their own spin on it, with Aldi recently unveiling a Dubai chocolate ice cream. 

But Heinz’s joke offering might put people off, as they’ve shared an image of a tin of Dubai Beanz, which boast ‘premium pistachio flavour’.

Writing on social media, they described the baked beans as ‘luxury in a tin’, and many people jumped on the joke, with @aldiuk replying: ‘You’re meant to be silly, not suggesting great ideas.’ While @honestburgers said: ‘This is a fever dream.’

BrewDog‘s Hot Beer

Brits love to crack open a cold beer as soon as the sun comes out, but a lot of the time here it’s pretty grey. To solve this problem, BrewDog’s April 1 joke has seen them unveil a limited-edition larger to help people warm up on chilly days.

The 3.4% ABV, Hot Beer, is said to use microwave-orientated smart-tech to heat and expertly prepared brew to a blisteringly hot, flavour-mulching temperature. Yum!

But the joke doesn’t end there, BrewDog claims this ‘miracle’ creation has been facilitated by the addition of ‘mega-microwaves’ in its bars across the country – high power units big enough to fit huge jugs of beer. The beer is decanted straight from the keg to jug and popped in the microwave. From there it’s just a matter of enduring some excruciating small talk at the bar until you hear that ‘ping’.

Lauren Carrol, Chief Operating Officer at BrewDog, commented: ‘Ever since we launched Cold Beer last summer it really felt like we needed something to add some balance. So we thought: what’s not cold? And then it fell into place from there.”

‘I mean, obviously it’s pretty nondescript to drink, but there’s no doubt that it’s hot. And actually we really think the joyful ‘ping’ could really catch on in bars. It’s just one of those sounds that lifts the spirits – especially if there’s a full pint of Hot Beer to follow. And a big thank you to our bar procurement teams for sorting the microwaves – frankly, I’m surprised Robert Dyas has anything left.’

Bird’s Eye Potato Waffholes 

Potato Waffles are a dinner time staple in the UK, but for years many have wondered where do the potato holes go? 

Well, Bird’s Eye has now solved the mystery, as they’ve unveiled packs of Potato Waffholes, which are described as ‘bite-sized bliss’. 

Alex Townsend, Potato Waffles Brand Manager at Birds Eye, commented: ‘We’ve heard the questions, we’ve seen the conspiracy theories, and we knew it was time to reveal the truth. Those little holes don’t just vanish, they’ve been secretly waiting for their moment to be the centre of attention, and it’s now time to fill the gap in the market – literally. After years of keeping this under wraps, we’re thrilled to finally celebrate the launch of the new Birds Eye Potato Waffholes’

Terry’s Chocolate Mint Toothpaste

While some think mint is a flavour best reserved for toothpaste, it seems Terry’s agrees, if their April 1 post is anything to go by.

The brand shared a snap of a tube of toothpaste that’s chocolate mint flavour, saying: ‘Start and end your day the right way with Terry’s NEW chocolate mint toothpaste.

‘It will satisfy your cravings whilst leaving you with that minty fresh feeling – mundane teeth brushing is now a delight!’

Hundreds of people have commented on the post, and many want the product to become a reality, claiming it would be ‘so good’, ‘dangerous’ and they’d ‘actually use it’.

Asda’s Rear Pocket Dress Code

Earlier this year, Asda brought back its iconic Rollback campaign, as well as the pocket tap ‘Asda Price’. And for April Fools’ Day, the supermarket is using this as part of the joke.

The retailer has announced the introduction of a Rear Pocket Dress Code, telling shoppers they have to have a visible rear pocket to be able to enter their local Asda store.

But don’t worry about being turned away, as those who don’t have pockets on their outfit will be given a free stick-on pocket at the door, which can be applied anywhere as long as it’s visible to staff.

Waitrose Easter Egg Restriction

Waitrose has tailored its April Fool’s joke to the parents, claiming to have added an age restriction to  all of the own-brand Easter Eggs, so they can only be purchased by those over 18. 

They shared a snap of Easter Eggs on the shelf, with a sign saying: ‘NO ID, NO EASTER EGG.’ And according to the prank, at the till customers will be met with a prompt and asked for ID if they don’t look over 18.

Maddy Wilson, Own Brand Director at Waitrose, said: ‘This year’s Easter range was developed with grown-ups in mind and as we get closer to the big day and stock becomes limited, we have decided it would only be right to give priority to the adults. With Speckled Eggs hand made by a third generation chocolatier, a Chocolate Croissant which blends creamy chocolate with feuilletine wafer and caramel pieces and Italian Nougat made to a family recipe passed down three generations, it is much too good for children anyway!’

Aldi Scotland launches canned tap water

Aldi Scotland is poking fun at the demand for low alcohol products of late, after unveiling its newest drink launch – 100% canned Scottish tap water.

Known as Taps Aff, the product will provide wellness-obsessed Scots with a thirst-quenching alternative packed with Scottish minerals. 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: ‘We know Scotland has the purest tap water in the world, and with buying trends indicating a move towards low-alcohol drinks, this felt like a great opportunity to go with the flow and turn on the tap for a new Scottish innovation. 

‘When talking of something truly extraordinary you often hear people say – ‘if you could only bottle it’ – well we have! Taps Aff is exactly what is says on the tin: pure, refreshing Scottish tap water.

‘Taps Aff launches on April 1, and we are confident that every drop will leave customers fully hydrated.’

easyJet’s snail ice cream

Budget airline easyJet is celebrating the opening of its new base at London Southend Airport in Essex, with a new range of ice cream flavours inspired by some of their holiday destinations.

Flavours include snail (inspired by escargot from France), Spicy Tagine (Moroccan spices), Cacio e Pepe (Italy), Sangria and Chocolate (Spain) and Pastel de Nata (Portugal).

Garry Wilson, easyJet holidays CEO commented: ‘Southend is synonymous with ice-cream, and what better way to celebrate our newest base than with something that for many also represents the joy of holidays, by offering customers a literal taste of their next trip!

‘With flights and thousands of package holidays now available to 20 destinations from London Southend, this will not only enable us to serve many more customers, providing value and more choice, but also supports critical connectivity and jobs for the UK, as we get set for our biggest ever summer.’

Interrail adds Greenland to the Interrail Pass Network

Interrail shared a social post claiming that Greenland is joining the Interrail Pass network.

They wrote: ‘We welcome Greenland to our network, strengthening the bonds of our European community. Greenland joins 33 other countries across Europe that travellers can explore with an Interrail Pass.’

People on Twitter were quick to point out the obvious flaw with this announcement, saying: ‘Greenland doesn’t have any trains.’

However, this one looks the most believable of the lot so far, so some people have fallen for it. Sneaky Interrail…

Krispy Kreme axing Original Glazed Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme fans may have had a meltdown if they fell for the doughnut chain’s April Fools’ Day post.

That’s because they claimed they were axing the OG doughnut flavour – the glazed ring.

In a statement posted online from the company’s managing director, they said: ’87 years on, we never thought we’d be writing this… To make room for the return of our fan-favourite Glazed Raspberry, we will be officially discontinuing our Original Glazed doughnut.

‘It hasn’t been an easy decision, our team have explored every option to keep it on shelves. But with so many delicious doughnuts in the range, we simply can’t keep them all.

‘In the coming weeks, Original Glazed will no longer be available in shops, cabinets, or Hot Light Shops. We’re sorry for any disappointment this may cause.’

Walkers Salt & Vinegar Crisp packets

Last week Walkers caused a stir after sharing a cryptic post on social media, suggesting they’d be switching the colour of Salt & Vinegar crisp packets.

The packets have always been green, while the brand’s Cheese & Onion crisps are blue. However, most other crisp companies have these colours the opposite way around.

Walkers shared a snap showing Salt & Vinegar crisps in a blue packet, and Cheese & Onion in green. And simply wrote: ‘That’s better.’

The image was shared on a billboard in London, and a few meme accounts on Instagram shared what looked to be packets of crisps with the ‘right’ colours, making people believe they’d be sold soon.

But Walkers has since confirmed it was just an April Fools’ Day prank.

‘Never did, never will,’ they wrote on Instagram.

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As a frequent visitor to Dubai, I find myself regularly defending the city.

I’ve written about its varied food scene, desert scenery and local markets — urging travellers to reconsider all they think they know about what is often described as a ‘soulless’ and ‘superficial’ destination.

And so when I headed to Dubai earlier this year, there was one place at the of top my must-visit list, not least to prove yet again that there’s more to this famous emirate than meets the eye.

Located 90 minutes southeast of the city lies Hatta, nicknamed ‘the highlands of Dubai’. Formerly an Omani territory, the same Hajar Mountains that hug Hatta dam, also stretch into Oman. The place started life as a farming village, and is one of the oldest preserved heritage areas in the UAE.

When I first visited Hatta in the late 90s, it felt like the middle-of-nowhere. An ill-fated trip that involved a dead car battery and a mountain rescue made it feel all the more isolated.

But Hatta is enjoying a glow-up, with Dubai officials positioning it as a major tourist attraction — and it’s easy to see why it’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Things to do in Hatta

Hatta dam is perhaps the most popular spot for tourists. You can hire kayaks or a variety of different boats, depending on the size of your party (and how much effort you want to put in).

With the Emirati sun beating down, my group and I opted for a donut boat, which had an awning for shade and plenty of room for four adults and one child — we could have fitted more. For the equivalent of £60, we floated around the beautiful dam, taking in the stunning scenery for an hour.

While I was happy to relax on the water, there’s plenty for those looking for adventure. Bikes can be rented to explore the mountains, and there are myriad hiking trails.

The newly opened Aerial Adventure Park has the UAE’s only 12m ‘giant swing’, three zip-line experiences, and a bag jump where you free-fall onto a giant crash bag. There are different packages on offer depending which attraction you choose to swing, jump or hurl yourself off from.

Back on solid ground, a trip to Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Centre is another fun excursion. The largest producer of honey in the UAE, it’s home to 4,000 bee colonies, which produce 20 tonnes of honey per season. Admission is just £10, and guests can don a beekeeping suit to get up close and personal with the buzzing creatures.

For animals that don’t sting, head to The Camel Farm, located inside the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve (general admission is just £6). As well as a chance to ride the camels or try camel hugging therapy, you’ll also see other desert creatures, including gazelles, oryxes, and desert foxes.

And history buffs can learn all about Hatta’s past at the Hatta Heritage Village, and climb the towers of its centrepiece, Hatta Fort, built in 1896, for panoramic views of the region.

Where to eat in Hatta

Al Hajarain restaurant on the edge of Hatta’s heritage village is a top-rated spot, for good reason.

Opt for a seat outside under the awnings for a cool al fresco meal. The vibes here are friendly and laid-back with families and couples alike enjoying traditional Arabic fayre.

When in Dubai, you can’t go wrong with ordering a mixed grill, and the arayes here (a kind of meat-stuffed crispy pita) were particularly good. Sides of hummus and fattoush are also a must, and one of my favourite things to eat when I’m in the UAE.

Prices were reasonable too. Two mixed grills for £30 each were more than enough for five adults and one child (we had leftovers).

The restaurant was dry, but there’s fresh lemon mint juice on the menu (about £3) to quench your thirst.

How to get to Hatta from Dubai

For those staying in Dubai, getting to Hatta takes a bit of effort. If you’re willing to brave the city’s roads, you can hire a car and make the scenic 90-minute drive. Alternatively, you can take the Hatta Express bus.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs a shuttle from Dubai Mall to the Hatta Bus station for only 25AED (£5).

The journey takes an hour and 15 minutes, and operates every two hours from 7am to 7pm. You can get the same bus back, with the last leaving Hatta at 7pm.

The future of Hatta

In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed announced plans to transform Hatta into a major tourist destination.

Already, there have been dramatic changes. A Hollywood-style Hatta sign now sits on the Hajar Mountains, and what was once a make-shift carpark has been paved over to make way for a small shopping area, with empty buildings awaiting their retailers.

A huge waterfall rolls down the hillside against the world’s largest mosaic — an image of Dubai’s founding fathers. Future plans include a small beach and a mountain railway, and a new cable car route will offer tourists a unique way to view the area.

For those keen to explore an untouched gem, you might want to book your trip to Hatta now. But it’s no surprise that this beautiful area is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Where to stay in Hatta

If you’re not content with a day trip to the region, book a stay at JA Hatta Fort, Dubai’s only mountain resort.

Perfect for adventurers, the hotel can arrange activities for you in Hatta, including kayaking and mountain biking.

There’s an adult-only pool, but it’s family-friendly too, with large grounds perfect for an evening stroll — you can spot some of the hotel’s resident tortoises and rabbits too.

It’s also pet friendly, and the hotel will provide food and water bowls for your furry friends should you wish to bring them along.

The rooms are spacious and cosy, with a natural aesthetic: think beamed ceilings and wooden accents. Soak up the sun on your balcony, and enjoy a delicious breakfast outside at Café Gazebo, which has panoramic views of the mountains. There’s also a spa when you need a well-earned break from being outdoorsy.

Low season (June – September) rates start from £75, while high season rates (January – June and September – December) start from £150.

For more information visit their website.

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We’ve all been involved in a conversation over the work water cooler that had us rolling our eyes to the back of our heads.

You know, the chat with a co-worker where they ask you a question that’s seemingly about you, but really it’s so they can bring the conversation back to themselves.

Take this for example…

Co-worker: ‘How’s the workload at the minute?’

You: ‘I’m actually feeling a bit overwh-‘

Co-worker: ‘Honestly, I’m just so overworked and it’s just been such a stressful time.’

Yeah, that’s an example of a ‘boomerasker’ – a term combining the words ‘boomerang’ and ‘ask’.

Boomerasking was coined by professors Alison Wood Brooks and Michael Yeomans, in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, where they examined microdecisions people make when conversing.

‘[It] starts with someone asking a question, but—like a boomerang—the question returns quickly to its source,’ the study reads.

The professors identified three different types of boomerasks you can encounter.

Ask-bragging is where they ask a question to then boast about something – like a holiday, running a marathon or success with a work project. Ask-complaining is where you ask a question to then say something negative (see our initial example), while ask-sharing is asking a question to then say something neutral.

This behaviour isn’t quite leaving the impression the culprit might think, either. ‘Though boomeraskers believe they leave positive impressions, in practice, their decision to share their own answer—rather than follow up on their partner’s—appears egocentric and disinterested in their partner’s perspective,’ the study reads.

‘As a result, people perceive boomeraskers as insincere and prefer conversation partners who straightforwardly self-disclose.’

The researchers conducted eight separate studies of 100-200 people each and found that most people are able to deduce when they’re in a conversation with a boomerasker and that it makes them feel ignored.

Are you a boomerasker?

If you feel like you might be guilty of this habit, Metro enlisted the help of Counselling Directory therapist Louise Malyan, to spot the warning signs.

When it comes who’s more likely to boomerask, Louise explains: ‘People who struggle with low self-esteem, rejection sensitivity, or social anxiety are more prone to boomerasking.

‘They may fear being unheard or unseen in conversations, leading them to constantly steer discussions back to themselves.’

She adds that people with ADHD may also do this unintentionally due to ‘impulsivity and difficultly with conversational turn-taking’.

Those who feel lonely or disconnected may use conversations as a way to seek validation or reassurance, without realising they’re dominating the interaction.

There are some easy ways to deduce if you’re a boomerasker, the first being that people’s responses become short or disengaged, according to the therapist.

Another telltale sign is if you find you feel anxious if you’re not talking about yourself, as is interrupting or redirecting conversations often.

Maybe your friends and colleagues just don’t share much with you anymore – that’s another possible indicator.

How to deal with a boomerasker

If you find yourself constantly stuck in a conversation with someone who always wants to bring it back to themselves, therapist Louise has some coping mechanisms.

She explains: ‘Gently redirect the conversation by saying “that’s really interesting – I’d love to hear more about [original topic]”.’

Changing the dynamic can also help apparently, for example if it’s a close friend, Louise suggests trying an activity where talking isn’t the sole focus, to take the pressure off.

‘Setting boundaries can be useful,’ she adds. ‘If someone constantly dominates the conversation, you can say, “I love hearing about your experiences, but I’d like to share mine too.”‘

Lastly, you may find you simply have to ‘accept and adjust’. Louise says: ‘Some people won’t change and, in those cases, it’s about managing your own expectations rather than trying to shift their behaviour.’

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As the weather warms up, thoughts turn to getting lawns in shape ready for summer. But, so many of us are intimidated by heavy corded mowers, or are harbouring dusty old machines in our sheds.

So, if you’re looking for an upgrade on your heavy old mower, this light, cordless, super-nimble lawnmower comes so highly recommended, it’s been called the Ferrari of lawnmowers.

Gtech’s CLM50 cordless lawnmower – currently £300 off at just £299.99 – has all the qualities you’d expect from a Gtech product: manoeuvrability, ease-of-use and no cords to trip (or mow!) over. If you’re as keen as we were, all you need to do is order before May 31, and use the code: HW86.

Forget wrestling with heavy petrol mowers or getting tangled in extension cords. This lightweight, battery-powered mower is designed to make cutting the grass quick, easy, and stress-free all summer.

Gtech CLM50 Lawnmower

Gtech’s CLM50 Lawnmower has a powerful 48V battery, giving you 40 minutes of cutting time on a single charge with a recharge time of just one hour. It allows for total precision with a blade that can be altered in 10mm increments between 30mm and 80mm. Although it runs at 2800rpm, it actually senses when extra power is required and will rotate faster to 3500rpm – genius!

BUY NOW FOR £299.99 (WAS £599.99) – SAVE £300 when you use code hw86

Equipped with a 49V battery which allows for 40 minutes of usage time and charges in just 1 hour, the CLM50 is easy to use, with a simple push-button start.

It’s great for personalising the length of your lawn too, allowing you to leave the lawn longer – as advised, in early spring and in hot, dry weather – and features a blade which can be adjusted in 10mm increments between 30mm and 80mm.

The sizeable 50 litre grass bin means you won’t be stopping to discard grass cuttings too often.

An impressive feature is the CLM50’s clever Omni Blade cutting technology. Its counter-balanced carbon steel blade runs at 2800rpm, but when it senses that extra power is required, it rotates to a faster 3500rpm, making a long, unruly lawn easy to tame.

The blade is also a generous 420mm, allowing homeowners to cover more ground and speed up the process so you can spend less time mowing and more time sipping cocktails in the garden.

When you’ve finished with the lawn, there’s no need to worry about safety as the CLM50’s safety switch key can be turned off. This keeps your mower secure when not in use.

This nifty little machine takes up less storage than traditional mowers as it can be folded down – just remove the grass box and fold down the handles for more compact storage.

It’s not often a lawnmower is this impressive, but if you don’t believe us, just look at the reviews.

One five-star review, left by Derek M, said: ‘I bought this to replace an old petrol mower that had packed up. It is much lighter and more manoeuvrable and so quicker and easier to use. I can mow a 250 square metre lawn on one charge, and then recharge in 1 hour.’

And a review from Mary F reads: ‘So easy to get going, and remarkably lightweight when mowing lawns. Large grass box is a bonus. All round winner.’

The CLM50 also had a five-star review from David P: ‘Exactly what we wanted and hoped for from this product! Plenty of battery life to complete our lawns, light enough to get into our little car and get to the allotment to mow the paths and stop the committee moaning. Someone said – “Looks like you’ve got the Ferrari there!”

If you want to grab this amazing £300 saving, you’ll need to act fast as this deal won’t be around forever.

Order by May 31, and use code HW86 to take advantage of the offer, and as a bonus, enjoy free next-day delivery.

Your lawn will be looking fresh in no time.

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A good orgasm can leave us breathless and unable to do anything but stare at the ceiling while we regain control of our limbs.

If you know the feeling, you’ll know it’s pretty incredible – but why does that (sometimes elusive) climax feel so intense?

How does an orgasm affect our brain, memory, and muscles? Metro spoke to a gynaecologist to find out.

What causes that orgasmic sensation in women?

Dr Sachchidananda Maiti explains that orgasms are the equivalent of a ‘full-body fireworks show’ that set off reactions all over your body, from your brain to your skin.

For most women, the 8,000 nerve endings in the clitoris start off that reaction more than anywhere in the body.

‘These nerves are connected to the pudendal nerve, which sends intense pleasure signals to the brain,’ he tells Metro. ‘During stimulation, these signals activate the limbic system, which is responsible for feelings of euphoria and pleasure.

‘At orgasm, there’s a surge of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, creating that intense, euphoric rush.’

The euphoric rush is a culmination of nerve stimulation, muscle contractions and brain chemistry. ‘Rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, changes in heart rate, and increased blood flow create that full-body pleasure sensation,’ Dr Maiti adds.

Of course, women can have orgasms from penetration too, and there’s a difference in sensation to clitoral stimulation.

‘Direct stimulation of the external clitoris, which is packed with nerves, leads to a sharper, more focused pleasure sensation,’ he explains. ‘A penetrative orgasm comes from stimulating the internal parts of the clitoris, the anterior vaginal wall (G-spot), or even deeper regions like the A-spot or cervix.

‘Stimulation here can activate deeper pleasure through the pudendal nerve – a major nerve in the pelvis that controls sensation in the genital and anal areas – and vagus nerve (the longest nerve in the body).

‘Even though they feel different, they both trigger the same brain activity and muscle contractions, which is why the result often feels similar.’

What causes that orgasmic sensation in men?

Like female orgasms, Dr Maiti explains that male orgasms also rely on the pundenal nerve but the way it’s stimulated is different.

The most sensitive areas are the head of the penis, frenulum (your banjo string), and perineum (the area between the anus and genitals).

Dr Maiti, for Pall Mall Medical, explains: ‘When these areas are stimulated, the signals travel to the sacral spinal cord, triggering muscle contractions in the pelvic floor, sperm ducts and prostate, leading to ejaculation.

‘The brain activity and chemical release are really similar to what happens in women, so the feeling is likely very close.’

What does an orgasm do to your brain?

When we reach that fabulous climax, gynaecologist Maiti explains that the brain actually looks like it’s having a seizure, because of a burst of electrical activity across different regions, including those linked to emotion and reward.

‘Your brain floods with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, the same chemicals linked to deep relaxation and happiness,’ he says.

This means that orgasms light up similar areas to certain recreational drugs, which can leave you in a ‘post-orgasmic daze’.

‘That dreamy, spaced-out feeling can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the person and intensity of the orgasm.’

In rare cases, people can even experience transient global amnesia (TGA) after they climax, according to the doctor.

Basically, you can briefly forget things after sex, bringing a whole new meaning to not being able to think straight.

‘This is because of a sudden drop in blood pressure, reducing blood flow to the brain. It’s rare but usually harmless,’ Dr Maiti adds.

What does an orgasm do to your heart and muscles?

‘Your heart isn’t just racing for dramatic effect, it’s working hard,’ Dr Maiti explains.

During orgasm, your heart rate can go from resting 60 to 80 beats a minute, to 140 to 180 beats per minute, which mimics the effects of intense exercise.

‘Blood pressure rises, blood vessels dilate, and your skin may flush,’ he adds. ‘That post-climax glow isn’t just in your head.’

Ever noticed your body trembling after sex? That’s because your muscles are going wild. An orgasm causes your pelvic muscles to contract in what Dr Maiti calls rhythmic waves roughly 0.8 seconds apart.

This is because the pundendal nerve sends a message to your spine to trigger the sacral nerve which controls controlling functions in the pelvic region.

These spasms help with blood circulation, tension release, and in reproductive terms, sperm movement in the vagina.

But it’s not just your pelvic floor that’s getting a workout. Your legs, arms, and even your face can spasm too.

These are all involuntary and the doctor says they include your mouth opening, your eyes rolling back, or even subtle movements like twitching cheeks or tensing your jaw.

‘Some people even get full-body shudders, almost like a mini seizure, thanks to nerve activation and muscle fatigue,’ he adds.

An orgasm can make your testicles shrink

When you orgasm your testicles can shrink, appearing smaller to the naked eye than you’d expect.

‘Don’t panic,’ Dr Maiti says. ‘For men, testicles can temporarily contract post-orgasm due to muscle tightening and a rush of blood flow shifting elsewhere, mostly to the penile veins.

‘They return to normal quickly, so there’s no need to check frantically.’

During sex, testicles can actually swell by up to 50% of their resting size, due to the extra blood flow, so when they shrink post-orgasm, the size difference could be a bit of a shock, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Tears and sneezing

It’s not just hay fever that can leave us sneezing, apparently orgasms can too.

Known as post-orgasmic sneezing, Dr Maiti says this occurs because the sneeze reflex and orgasm response both involve the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary reactions.

He explains: ‘For some people, orgasm overstimulates this system, triggering a crossed signal to the nerve in your head responsible for sending signals to your face, which can result in sneezing.’

Crying post sex is also common and totally normal. According to the healthcare professional, this happens because of the surge in oxytocin and prolactin – the hormones that regulate our emotions.

‘This can create an overwhelming sense of release, joy, or even sadness,’ he adds. ‘Some people cry due to emotional intensity rather than sadness, it’s the body’s way of processing an intense experience.’

Listen, it’s your orgasm and you cry if you want to.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

The day unfolds with unexpected turns, offering up gifts in ways you may have never anticipated.

Aries, a small but meaningful surprise shifts your perspective. Taurus, an unplanned moment has the potential to shake up your routine in the best way.

Gemini, a sudden twist pushes you to finally face what you’ve been avoiding. Cancer, the right conversation at the right time could open your mind to something completely new.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today Tuesday 1, April 2025.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox. To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Be ready, as an unexpected gift could land in your lap. It might be something small yet significant and may leave you pensive. Maybe it’s a physical present, a kind gesture or even a few words of wisdom that stops you in your tracks. Whatever it is, don’t brush it off. This surprise carries meaning and synchronicity, inspiring you to see things in a new light.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Today may be quite unpredictable. Something out of the ordinary could shake up your routine, such as a surprise encounter, a sudden change of plans or an unexpected happening that adds to the excitement. While you usually prefer stability, welcome this, as it might just lead to a fresh perspective or brilliant opportunity. A little flexibility means you’ll be ready for anything.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

A surprising event could stir things up, pushing you to finally resolve a key issue you may have been sidestepping. Today could bring a sudden realisation, an enlightening conversation or a twist of fate, and this event is here to wake you up. Face it head-on, as once you do, you’ll feel lighter and more in control. The cosmos is giving you a little push just when you need it most.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Need a fresh perspective? Someone may introduce you to ideas that shift your thinking in unusual but fascinating ways. This conversation could plant seeds of inspiration, challenge old beliefs or nudge you towards something fresh and exciting. Sometimes, the right person appears at the perfect moment to help you see things differently. A new world may be about to open up.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Looking for an exciting and innovative opportunity? It could come from a colleague, friend or because of a casual comment. The key is to recognise its potential and act on it. You love being ahead of the curve, and today’s sparkling lunar energies gives you the chance to do just that. Whether it’s a career move, creative project or financial breakthrough, this could be your golden ticket.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You’ll be thrilled by something you discover. And once you appreciate its usefulness, there may be no turning back. You love planning and strategy, but sometimes the best discoveries come from embracing the unusual. It could lead to you learning a new skill or taking action now so you can prepare for a future opportunity. You never know where a single idea might lead you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Feeling the urge for some retail therapy? It might be in your best interest, or it could be a fleeting whim that leads to regret. Before you hit “buy now” or say yes to something, take a deep breath and think about whether you really need it. A little spontaneity can be fun, but a savvy approach is best over the long-term. If it truly adds value, go for it, Libra. If not, just let the moment pass.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Someone might drop a comment that catches you completely off guard. It could be a surprising compliment, a game-changing insight or a wild remark that shifts your perspective. Either way, it might affect you. Will it boost your mood or challenge your thinking? That’s up to you. Suspend your usual comments and pause, as your response could make or break this moment.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

In need of something different? A surprise opportunity might pop up, but you’ll have to be flexible to seize it. Get ready for an unexpected invite, a new project or a chance to explore something thrilling. Just stepping away from the usual chores could bring big rewards. You thrive on adventure, so why hesitate? Let this detour lead you somewhere fresh and exciting.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

An instant attraction could surprise you and the chemistry can be undeniable. Is it the real deal? Enjoy the excitement, but don’t rush in too fast. What starts as a thrilling spark might not last the week. Let things unfold naturally and see if there’s any substance. If it lasts, great! If not, at least you had a moment of magic. A less thrilling encounter might be worth a second chance though.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Prepare for an unexpected visitor or call. Whoever it is, they might bring fresh energy, good news or an exciting opportunity. This encounter could spark a new idea, shift your perspective or bring some fun and a much-needed respite. Today, go with the flow, as the best moments can happen when schedules go out the window. If it’s inconvenient, life may have better plans.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

As the Moon aligns with Uranus, a sudden brainwave could illuminate the perfect solution to a long-standing problem. And it can seem to come out of nowhere. Trust it! Your intuition and creativity are working overtime, guiding you forward. Don’t dismiss this. In fact, write it down, explore it and take action. Brilliant answers often arrive when you least expect them, Pisces.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

As we count down to the end of Amazon’s Spring Deal Days sales event for another year, there’s still time to bag an absolute bargain!

If you’re wondering where the real bargains are and what’s worth your investment, you’re in luck.

Our seasoned shopping expert, Sarah Bradbury, has five years of experience covering this event, and meticulously curated the top deals you absolutely need to check out.

From the latest TVs, perfect for binge-watching your favourite movies and Netflix shows, to top-tier headphones, must-have air fryers, children’s toys, washing detergent, beauty items, household goods, and even Ring Doorbells – we’ve got you covered.

And we haven’t forgotten about your furry friends; essential pet supplies, including cat snacks, are also on the list.

Every department has been scoured to bring you the best of the best.

Best last-minute deals from Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025

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Nobody likes to feel old. But when you’re a mum of teens, it’s hard not to feel ancient at times: try mentioning to your child that you existed before the internet and it’s as if you’re telling them you lived in a cave. 

What I didn’t expect, however, was to be reminded of the yawning generational gap between myself and my daughter when I mentioned that I used to enjoy shopping.

Last week, having left it a bit late to do an online order, I took my 15-year-old to our local H&M in Kings Lynn to pick up a couple of hoodies. 

And, while browsing the rails, I happened to remark that, at her age, I’d used to go shopping for fun.

Her face said it all.

She gave me a look of both horror and disgust, as if to say: Why would someone actually do that? 

As a Gen Xer of a certain age, the idea of having either spare time or spare cash to wander aimlessly, browse and find something fun to wear or own is a distant dream. 

But it’s always been the norm that, when women like me step away from the high street frontline, a new generation of up and coming consumers would step into the breach. 

Only, quite simply, they are not and the reality is that 67% of Gen Z prefer to shop online than in person.

While I see the appeal – online shopping certainly feels easier – I can’t help but feel that those who shun the real-life shopping trip are missing out.

In person, shopping for one thing can mean browsing shelves and seeing things you wouldn’t have known to search for. It can also mean trying things on and being inspired. How could someone not love shopping for these things alone?

This generational gap certainly isn’t down to a lack of consumerism on the part of younger people. 

Yes, perhaps some youngsters are more aware of the origin of their trainers or are at pains to invest in ethical brands, but just as many are simply taking their business online. They still love fast fashion, they just shop at Shein and ASOS instead.

It’s more likely that this tendency to stay away from stores IRL is more a symptom of Gen Z’s preference to experience life through a screen. And we’re all the poorer for it. 

In recent years, many of us have watched aghast as some of the staple stores of our high streets have closed their doors: BHS in 2016, Debenhams in 2020. Even Wilko – a great budget store for our times – virtually disappeared from sight in 2023.

And now, WHSmith – a high street staple – has been sold, it’s set to reduce or rebrand its presence.

My concern is that in-person shopping will die out completely.

And if our high streets, and the traditions of meeting pals in town to wander aimlessly, die out completely, then what is left for them?

In some ways, our kids have never been more connected – they can travel through space, make friends and play games with people across the globe, or chat with their school chums all at the flick of a finger.

But in others, the world our kids live in is vanishingly small, often leaving them confined to the four walls of their bedroom.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that experts fear British teenagers are losing the skill of chatting to someone in-person.  

Even though my kids still take part in clubs and sports, get their share of fresh air, and hang out with friends in real life, I think most of us can agree phones are taking up too much space in our children’s worlds. Shopping is just another victim of this change in lifestyle. 

For me, my weekly Saturday shopping sessions were a chance to try out different versions of myself. 

Yet, these days, instead of trying on hats in Dorothy Perkins, Gen Zs have turned to influencers for style tips with 60% having made a purchase on the back of an influencer recommendation.  

It’s not just sad, but disheartening. Surely it’s healthier to go shopping with a friend?

I accept that society has changed, in fact most of us, and I include myself in this, can’t imagine how we managed before online retail giants came along.

But while these youngsters may not see the issue with a depleting high street right now, the complete death of real life retail will hit them harder than they realise in years to come.

Without physical stores, what will happen to the frontline Saturday jobs which offer our kids skills and extra cash they find invaluable? What will happen to those miniscule interactions with people that only come with getting out and about?

Lockdowns already deprived them of so much, it could get worse.  

There’s not much that can be done, so the only cure I can think of is to make my own sacrifice…

I’m going to have to go shopping again, if only to keep the high street going until my kids are ready to appreciate it.

If that means raiding the savings pot and ditching the family for my bestie on a Saturday, I suppose I’ll just have to shoulder the burden. 

And when I’m browsing through my favourite stores, I’ll remind myself of one simple thing: that I’m doing it for the kids. 

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Virgin Group has said there are ‘no more major hurdles to overcome’ in its rail project to operate cross-channel trains, offering travellers an alternative to Eurostar.

Sir Richard Branson recently announced plans to raise £700million to fund a new train service connecting UK passengers with Paris, Brussels, and potentially Amsterdam later on.

The company made the positive claim after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed that Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot could be used by other train operators.

The depot, trains can maintained and stored, is crucial for other operators to be able to compete. The ORR confirmed that ‘operational and maintenance arrangements’ could be made to make this possible.

The ORR’s statement was welcome news to Virgin, who then responded, saying that this was ‘a green signal for competition.’

A spokesman added: ‘Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome… There are no more major hurdles to overcome. We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon.’

Having previously operated trains around Britain between 1997 and 2019, Virgin is now keen to get back on the tracks, looking to become Eurostar’s first direct rival in 30 years with a high-frequency service along the same route.

They previously shared aspirations to raise £300m in equity and £400m in debt to fund the project, claiming it plans to be the ‘cornerstone equity investor’ by providing a chunk of the initial funds required.

A spokesperson said of the developments: ‘The cross-channel route is ripe for change and would benefit from competition.

‘While Virgin is not committing to launching a service just yet, we are seeking investment from like-minded partners to invest alongside Virgin, and we are delighted with the progress made so far.’

Despite ideas still being in their infancy – with the company saying in a statement it is ‘not committing to launching a service just yet’ – a Financial Times report claims the hope is to launch as soon as 2029.

Alongside improving choice for passengers, Metro understands that Virgin’s aim is to inject some joy into their journey across the Channel, which suggests the onboard experience itself will be a priority for the firm.

In an effort to win over Eurostar customers, they’ll also be sweetening the pot, with bookings connected to its Group-wide rewards programme, Virgin Red.

Of course, the project will be no small feat, as getting a service like this up and running poses a range of challenges. For one, Virgin Group will need to ensure its trains are compatible with the Channel Tunnel’s safety rules. There’s also the matter of space in overcrowded stations to contend with.

Setting up the service will be a ‘huge undertaking,’ admits Phil Whittingham, a rail project lead at Virgin Group.

However, he adds: ‘We think Virgin is the right brand to signal a new era in cross-Channel travel.’

It comes after a collaboration agreement between the Channel Tunnel operator Getlink and London’s St Pancras railway station to increase the number of services running between Britain and France, and also to open up routes to Germany and Switzerland.

Last month, it was reported that St Pancras station hopes to triple peak time passenger numbers, taking the amount from 1,800 to 5,000 per hour.

And Eurostar is hot on the tracks of its potential competitors, already taking steps of its own to expand.

Last year, it revealed plans for up to 50 new trains and more international services to tap into the ‘huge demand’ for rail travel throughout Europe.

Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of the train operator, said the ‘race’ was on to increase capacity, having become one of the continent’s biggest high-speed rail operators.

But more Eurostar trains threaten to thwart Virgin Group’s proposals before the cash has even been raised for them, as it means limited depot space.

Both Virgin and Evolyn have previously argued they would struggle to secure funding or order trains for a new service without access to the depot.

Consequently, the operators have asked the rail regulator to intervene.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

From gate lice, to confusing queuing systems and stuffy waiting areas, boarding a flight is often a less-than-pleasant experience.

But British Airways is aiming to fix this familiar headache with new boarding rules, designed to streamline the process. 

Back in 2017, BA introduced a system that divided passengers into not one, not two, but nine boarding groups.

While the intention was to reduce overcrowding, so many groups often had the opposite effect: small gate areas can mean not often seats, and passengers are left standing around, waiting to finally get on the plane.

But now, the UK flag carrier has quietly overhauled its system, scrapping some of its boarding group all together.

On long-haul flights, Groups 7 to 9 have been removed, and Groups 6 to 9 have been removed from short-haul boarding.

This leaves economy passengers boarding in just three groups on long-haul flights (4, 5 and 6) and two groups on short-haul flights (4 and 5).

The approach is organised by seat rows: Group 4 comprises the rear part of the economy cabin, while Group 5 (and Group 6 on long-haul flights) comprise the front part. 

This means passengers in the back can access their seats quickly without being blocked by those at the front. 

Groups 1 to 3, meanwhile, will be called first and are reserved for priority boarding customers, including Executive Gold, Silver and Bronze members.

As usual, your group number can be found printed on your boarding pass.

According to BA’s website, the system is intended to ‘simplify boarding, reduce congestion at the gate and make things easier for you’. 

It’s set to be a welcome relief to BA passenger, who complained that the previous system was difficult to navigate.

On the British Airways Reddit thread user, r/djmno3 wrote: ‘Having flown BA quite a few times, there’s been so many times when I’ve had to squeeze past people queuing for the gate, which created mayhem.’

Another user, r/txe4, said they hated the ‘chaotic’ boarding process. They wrote: ‘Groups not respected, crowds around the gate so you can’t tell what’s going on, displayed going immediately from “boarding at XX:XX” to “final call”, no explanation for delayed.’

Another r/Odd_Bus618 added: ‘Half the time, they never update the signs from group 1 or call later groups, so that’s why people mingle and chance their luck.’

This isn’t the first time BA has tweaked its boarding system. Last year, the airline introduced a Group 0 for select premium passengers, consisting of invite-only Premier card holders, Gold Guest List and Gold Guest List for life.

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We’re all for spicing it up in the bedroom with an unexpected implement (safety first, of course.) But it seems our sex lives are relatively vanilla compared to what some of you have been up to.

That’s right, people are sharing their favourite items that aren’t made for sex but that they enjoy using in bed – and we don’t know whether to be impressed or concerned.

Forget vibrators and lube, blindfolds and handcuffs – talk about predictable. More than 1,000 members of the Reddit community have shared just how creative they’ve been getting.

The following content is obviously NSFW but if you’re intrigued, we’ve rounded up the best confessions below…

Electric toothbrush

One of the most popular admissions was the use of an automatic toothbrush in the bedroom.

It doesn’t take a genius too figure out that the vibrations probably feel pretty pleasant down there.

This comment had 1,500 upvotes, and others agreed saying: ‘It’s nice to know I’m not alone,’ and ‘Had a girlfriend swear by it.’

Actually, 10% of women say they’ve used their toothbrush for exactly this reason.

We certainly don’t advise giving this a go yourself, and for the love of god, don’t brush your teeth with it afterwards.

Theragun

Alarmingly, this was another common suggestion. Otherwise known as a massage gun, designed to get knots out of your muscles and pummel your deep tissue, it’s made for athlete recovery.

It seems to have left some people needing to recover for different reasons though, after one inventive Redditor attached a sex toy to it.

‘I put in a dildo, my husband put the theragun on it, and I came so hard I started to go into shock. It was too intense – never again,’ wrote @chihuahuaapocalypse.

The commenter added to ‘be careful and know your limits’ to those in the who said they wanted to give it a go, and we’d suggest not doing it, at all.

A canoe paddle

‘I was in a tourist shop in Wisconsin Dells, and spotted an 18 inch long miniature wooden canoe paddle with a cute little fish painted on it,’ wrote @DocQuang.

‘Bought it. It’s now my favourite BDSM tool.’

While we can’t say this was a common admission, it certainly gets points for creativity. We love some safe consensual power play and if it works… it works.

Just be mindful of splinters.

Puppy pads

Yes, this may suck all the romance out of your romp but it’s a very innovative use of a household object.

@Foxbii said: ‘A puppy training pad, just so I won’t have to change the sheets every time.’

It’s to avoid that inevitable damp patch in the middle of the bed. People often lay towels down to circumvent this but a puppy pad involves even less clean up.

Redditors were impressed with this, saying: ‘Okay but that is GENIUS.’

Others shared that they use a ‘waterproof blanket’ as a workaround. ‘It covers a fairly large amount of space and I better for the environment than disposable puppy pads,’ said @Katharinavhill.

Honourable mentions

There are plenty of other household items used for sex that really shouldn’t be.

A hairbrush was a common suggestion, and it turns out 15% of women admit to using the hairbrush handle to masturbate – we assume as a makeshift dildo.

Cucumbers and carrots were also popular confessions. You should lock away your vegetables because about 6% of women use carrots, parsnips, bananas and maybe even aubergines to get themselves to the finish.

A ping pong paddle, a Calippo, a Mars bar, a pool noodle and a tube of M&Ms were all also used in coitus, and we’re never going to look at any of them the same again.

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Brits are being urged to check the terms of their phone and broadband contracts and ensure they’re not overpaying council tax with bills rising from April 1.

This year ‘Awful April’ looks likely to be particularly painful, with nine in 10 councils taking the opportunity to raise taxes by the maximum allowed amount, and water bills rising by as much as 47%.

Although you can’t escape all hikes, with the right know-how, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds.

Below, we talk you through how to hack household bills as businesses and councils put up their prices to compensate for inflation and rising costs.

1. Council tax

Most of us will pay 5% more on our council tax from April – that’s an average of about an extra £109 a year for a Band D household – but a few unlucky folk will find the bill is much higher.

That’s because their council has been given permission to raise even more from customers because they are in dire financial straits.

Councils that can do this include Bradford, which will put up council tax by 10%, and the London borough of Newham, whose residents will pay 9% more.

Is there anything I can do about it?

Check you are not overpaying. There are a few reasons why council tax might be reduced. Full-time students, single people, carers and those with certain diagnoses are entitled to a discount, as are some people on low incomes, so check your council website to see if you are eligible.

You may also be able to apply to reduce your council tax band. The amount you pay in tax depends on the valuation of your house in 1991, and many properties have changed since then. There are more details on how to challenge the banding at 
gov.uk, though be aware that it comes with the risk you’ll go up a band, too!

2. Energy bills

The government cap on energy prices rises from April 1 to 6.4%, so if you’re on a capped energy tariff, the gas and electricity you are using will cost more. Energy regulator Ofgem says this will cost the average household £111 a year if prices remain at the new level. The cap itself only runs for three months, after which prices may rise or fall again.

Is there anything I can do about it?

If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, you won’t pay any more for your energy until that rate comes to an end.

If you aren’t, and your energy is on a capped tariff, now might be a good time to see if you can save by switching. Use comparison sites such as Uswitch, Moneysupermarket or Comparethe
market to find cheaper deals.

Taking steps to reduce your energy bills will also pay dividends, although the good news is that the latest hike is coming in as the weather gets warmer and energy demand reduces.

Fiona Peake, consumer finance expert at Ocean Finance, suggests the following tweaks to bring bills down further. ‘Leaving appliances on standby overnight can add up to £100 a year to your bills. Switching everything off at the socket (except essentials like your fridge) can be an easy way to save,’ she says. ‘Another simple fix is lowering your boiler’s flow temperature to 60C. It won’t impact the warmth of your home but it could save you another £100 a year.’

3. Water bills

Water bills alone are set to increase by an average of £123 a year from April 1, a 26% increase, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), which represents householders. Depending on where you live, some people will face even bigger rises, as water companies are raising their bills by different amounts.

Some of the highest rises include Southern Water, which is increasing bills by 47%, South West Water (32%), Thames Water (31%) and Yorkshire Water (29%).

Is there anything I can do about it?

Andy White, from the CCW, says that customers who are finding water bills difficult to pay should check whether they are eligible for a ‘social tariff’.

If you are eligible because you have a low income, you could save an average of £160 a year, while those with medical conditions that mean they use a lot of water could be eligible for WaterSure tariffs, with an average saving of £286 a year. Two in five households in the UK don’t have a meter and some would be better off if they switched.

You can try the CCW water meter calculator at ccw.org.uk to see if that could be you. You can also, unless you live in an area where water meters are compulsory, switch back again after two years if you are unhappy with it.

‘I saved £175 by switching to a water meter’

Sylvia Tillmann, from Ramsgate in Kent, is saving over £175 a year now she’s switched her water to a meter. Her bill used to be £300 a year, and now it is just under £125.

The 58-year-old lives in a one-bedroom flat, but still saved on her Southern Water bill by switching to a meter.

‘I’m not wasteful, very environmentally conscious, and take short showers rather than long ones,’ she says. ‘I only use the washing machine and dishwasher when it’s really full, so the meter hasn’t changed my behaviour at all, just saved me money.’

Sylvia says that she was prompted to get a meter by a friend who had also saved money, and although she had to wait a while for an engineer to come and fit it, the process was otherwise straightforward.

‘To start with, I was checking the meter all the time to see if it moved, and it only moved a little bit with each shower or use of the dishwasher,’ she says. ‘I couldn’t believe my savings, and I’d advise anyone who is careful with water like me to do this.’

4. Broadband and mobile bills

Broadband and mobile phone companies are allowed to put up your bills by an amount linked to inflation if this was in your contract when you signed up. Fiona, at Ocean Finance, says this could push bills up by six to 7.5%, adding £3-£5 per month to household expenses.

Is there anything I can do about it?

If you are out of contract, you can leave and get a better deal, or haggle with your current provider for a cheaper price by threatening to leave. Check out comparison sites such as Uswitch or Moneysupermarket for deals that might work for you.

If you’re in contract, chances are you’ll have to pay to leave, but do check whether they will waive exit penalties when prices rise. If the penalties are steep, make a calendar note of when the contract ends and switch as quickly as you can.

5. Car tax

How much more will I pay?

For most of us, the increase in car tax will be a relatively manageable £5 a year, to £195. For those with electric vehicles though, the increase will be high. These vehicles have been exempt from the tax but now will pay £10 for the first year before moving to the standard car tax rate.

Is there anything I can do about it?

Expensive vehicles attract more car tax, so ensuring you don’t have a vehicle with a ‘list price’ of over £40,000 will save you money. Otherwise you only get out of paying car tax if your car is off-road and declared as such, or is over 40 years old.

6. TV Licence

How much more will I pay?

The price for a standard colour TV licence is rising by £5 to £174.50.

Is there anything I can do about it?

If you want to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer then you will need a licence. If you watch only other catch-up services, you won’t, and can save the full amount. You can apply to cancel your licence online if this is the case at tvlicensing.co.uk. You can also fill out a declaration on the same site saying you don’t need a licence, to prevent TV Licensing pursuing you for the cash.

Beware, though, if you don’t pay and are discovered to be watching live TV or iPlayer, you could face a £1,000 fine. Otherwise if you’re over 75 and receive the pension credit benefit you’ll get a free TV licence, while those who are blind or significantly sight-impaired will receive a 50% discount.

Rosie Murray-West is Metro’s personal finance specialist.

If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.

No cinema trip is complete without a Tango Ice Blast.

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan once declared the drink to be ‘unadulterated joy’, and dreamt of having his very own machine at home.

And now, fans can finally enjoy the drink without heading to the big screen, as it returns to UK supermarkets in a ready-to-drink version.

Budget retailer B&M, which is famous for rare food finds, will be one of the stores offering the new drinks, along with Nisa, Spar, Co-op, Iceland and Home Bargains.

And the best part? The drinks costs just £3.35 for a 2L bottle.

While fans of Tango Ice Blast regularly praise the drink, one major problem is repeatedly raised: the price.

‘I love Tango Ice Blasts but why do they have to cost like 50 grand?’ lamented one X user. Others said they’re charged a ‘whole house’ to get their hands on the drink.

The cost of the slushy treat varies, but they’re currently available on Uber Eats for £5.99, while some cinema go-ers have reported paying up to £9.

This new supermarket offering though will be more than half the price, and while it won’t be icy, it will come in the same tangy flavours die-hard fans know and love: cherry and raspberry.

The Cherry and Raspberry Blast drinks were briefly in stores last year, but they’ll be returning in a surprise drop from tomorrow, available for just six months. A statement shared today warned ‘run don’t walk because once they’re gone, they’re really gone.’

When the drinks were last on shelves, reviewers had pretty positive comments. Instagram reviewer, John from @johnssnackreviews, who shares his no holds barred thoughts on a variety of new products, gave both drinks a 7/10, adding: ‘Worth trying but just a touch too weak on flavour for me.’

The 500ml bottles will be found from April 1 at Nisa, Spar and Co-op for just £2.15, while 2L varieties can be picked up in Iceland, B&M and Home Bargains for £3.35.

Victoria Burridge, Tango brand manager, said: ‘We’ve heard our fans’ cries and are thrilled to bring back Tango Cherry Blast and Raspberry Blast after they flew off the shelves when first launched last year.

‘Guaranteed to deliver that iconic hit of fruity Tang, they’re returning as a limited time drop so fans will need to hurry!’

The Blasts aren’t the only bargain product to be arriving in supermarkets recently.

Lidl fans were sent into a frenzy when the budget retailer launched Mini Egg Brownies in its beloved bakery, which cost just 89p each. 

The new item features a brownie base, and appears to have a layer of chocolate on top which is covered in pieces of colourful crushed Mini Eggs.

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​There’s now under 24 hours to make the most of Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025 – and still, a smorgasbord of deals are ready for you to snap up.

Whether you’re looking to stock up on staple beauty products or have finally decided to jump on the airfryer hype, we’ve got you covered with some of the best discounts on-site.

One such discount that’s too good to pass up is Shark’s PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop.

Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop

Designed for maximum convenience and efficiency, this cutting-edge gadget combines advanced 3D & LiDAR navigation and a self-emptying, self-refilling and self-cleaning system. It’s hands-free cleaning at its best.

SHOP £499.99 (WAS £828.02) – SAVE 40%

Unlike standard robot vacuums, the PowerDetect 2-in-1 not only vacuums but also mops simultaneously. The self-refillable water tank ensures consistent cleaning, leaving floors spotless without the need to constantly refill.

Whether it’s pet hair, dust, or stubborn stains, this robot vacuum tackles all types of messes with ease.

As its name suggests, the NeverTouch Pro is built for those who want truly hands-free cleaning.

With a 60-day self-emptying dustbin and an automatic self-refill and self-clean system, you don’t have to worry about manually maintaining the device frequently. That means two full months of uninterrupted cleaning – impressive!

Worried it would get stuck on table legs or smaller corners of the room? The 3D & LiDAR Navigation, maps out your home and the NeverStuck Obstacle Bypass technology detects and navigates around any household obstacles, ensuring it doesn’t get trapped by furniture, cables or clutter.

It’s easily integrated into your smart devices too. The Shark PowerDetect connects to your home WiFi, the SharkClean app, and Alexa, giving you maximum control.

Previous buyers have been seriously impressed with theirs. One review left by AWoo, said: ‘After the initial setup, the robot is indeed a game changer. It works really well. It cleans a lot better than another robot that I bought a few years ago.’

And a review from Michelle B said: ‘I absolutely love this little robot! It’s brilliant; it cleans and maps my downstairs area and then goes about its job of vacuuming and mopping every day.’

If you’re ready to spring clean your home, then look no further. This is a home appliance that takes care of it all for you.

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If you’ve made the journey from the UK to Australia or Asia, you’ll know it’s long. Like, really long.

From multiple flights to the dreaded jet lag, 24 hours-plus of plane food and a small child kicking your seat for a day in the air, it’s no surprise long-haul travellers are on the lookout for ways to make the journey to the far side of the world more enjoyable.

Whether you’re on your way to beach bliss in Bali and Koh Samui or heading Down Under to Australia and New Zealand, adding a Hong Kong stopover to your travel itinerary will make your epic journey even more thrilling.

The city is a brilliant metropolis mixing East and West. From its heritage and local culture to cuisine and impressive architecture, it’s the perfect spot for a stopover to rest and recharge with direct flights taking less than 13 hours from London.

Here are the best ways to experience the city, while making your journey unforgettable. 

A world-class airport and Express transport

It makes sense to start with Hong Kong’s airport, which is where you’ll first experience this amazing city after you touch down.

There’s a reason Hong Kong International Airport is consistently voted one of the world’s best: its Airport Express whisks you into the heart of the city in just 24 minutes, while convenient luggage storage means you can get the most out of even the shortest of layovers without lugging around a suitcase. 

Check into top-tier hotels

The city’s hotels provide a range of rooms for all budgets, from historic charm to modern luxury, all of which cater to travellers on a stopover.

There are several iconic hotels to choose from, such as The Peninsula (pictured), the Four Seasons – boasting views of Victoria Harbour – and Mandarin Oriental. If you’re after something a little more boutique, try The Upper House, or Rosewood Hong Kong for some local luxury.

While these are central and perfect for a quick visit, there are also great hotels closer to the airport so you need not worry about missing your flight. Novotel Citygate is a hassle-free option, with a complimentary shuttle bus for guests to the airport taking the pain out of organising a cab.

Plus, you’re still only a short trip to the city centre on the subway, or a bus ride from the quaint Tai O fishing village. The best of both worlds, we say!

The mesmerising skyline

We’re sure you’ve seen images of Hong Kong’s expansive, glittering architecture, but that’s nothing compared to seeing it in real life.

A ride on the Peak Tram takes you to Victoria Peak where you can witness amazing vistas of city skyscrapers juxtaposed with the mountains and sea, showcasing the city’s panorama.

Back down off the peak, you can cruise across Victoria Harbour and see the city from the water, or make a reservation at one of the skyscraper’s bars or restaurants where you can sit back (or sip back) and take in the city’s lights from on high.

Don’t forget to set your alarm for 8pm when the daily Symphony of Lights transforms the harbour into an amazing display of laser beams and synchronised lights. Truly, dinner and a show.

The food scene

Speaking of dinner, if you’re a foodie, this city offers up many a dishy delight, with a blend of traditional Cantonese flavours and international influences. While in town, wrap your tastebuds around local dumplings and noodles, teamed with egg tarts and pineapple buns with butter.

Even on a whistlestop tour of the city, you can manage to fit in a range of culinary wonders, such as dim sum at the historic Lin Heung Tea House in Central before slurping down some wonton noodles at Mak’s Noodles.

Don’t forget to take in the amazing street food offerings on the streets of Mong Kok, where you can snap up egg waffles and curry fish balls while on the go. Time is of the essence, and we don’t want you to miss a magic moment.

Come nighttime, the Temple Street Night Market is calling, offering up food for every taste. Here we have everything from open-air restaurants serving seafood, or local cha chaan tengs like Australia Dairy Company keeping travellers fuelled with Hong Kong-style milk tea and toast.

A shopper’s dream

It’s worth leaving a little (or a lot) of free space in your suitcase to stock up the holiday wardrobe with some stopover shopping thanks to Hong Kong’s tax-free status.

If you’re a fan of designer threads, explore Central mall and Kowloon Peninsula’s Tsim Sha Tsui, the latter being home to Canton Road, known for its array of luxury brands. Many of the malls are an air-conditioned welcome for travellers keen to escape the humid heat, where you can shop ’til your heart’s content without breaking a sweat.

Perhaps you’re after something a little more unique to remember your time in the city? In that case, head to PMQ in Central, where you’ll find a multi-level retail space featuring a mix of local fashion labels, pop-ups, and unique boutiques for quirkier keepsakes and gifts for loved ones back home.

A spot for nature-lovers

Off the man-made track, Hong Kong provides an accessible escape for those who want to be at one with nature.

Look no further than the Dragon’s Back hiking trail, which was crowned Asia’s best urban hike – which can be completed in just a few hours (great for those on a flying visit!) – providing dreamy coastal views.

If you’d rather stay central, Hong Kong Park is an oasis nestled among the skyscrapers of the city, even complete with a tea house, aviary and artificial lake that brings the nature downtown. 

For those with a little more time, in 30 minutes you can be on the golden sands of Repulse Bay, paddling in the cool water, or catching some waves at the aptly-named Big Wave Bay. 

There’s nothing like some salt water to bring the holiday vibes.

Year-round cultural highlights

The city never sleeps, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you’re touching down there will always be something special to experience.

Chinese New Year is particularly amazing, as the city is transformed into a tapestry of red lanterns, flower markets and fireworks to celebrate, while art takes over in March with Art Basel.

Riffing on the earlier culinary heart of the city, autumn then brings the Wine & Dine Festival, while March also sees Hong Kong Rugby Sevens come to the city for sport lovers to enjoy.

Before you know it, you’re on the next leg of your holiday, feeling refreshed, inspired and energised by all Hong Kong has to offer!

Visit discoverhongkong.com to find out more.

The crowd gathers in speedos, budgie smugglers, and rainbow bikinis as the progress flag is raised over Bondi Beach.

It’s an annual tradition – the unofficial beginning of Mardi Gras weekend – for the Sydney LGBT+ swim club to take an early morning dip in the rolling surf of the Pacific.

We’re flanked on either side by lifeguards with rainbow flags painted on their surfboards – a welcome safety measure, though it doesn’t feel needed because most of the group don’t even bother to swim.

They’re too preoccupied with splashing one another and sharing the juiciest of last night’s gossip. I realise the point of this isn’t to fit in a morning workout, but rather an opportunity for queer people to socialise in a way that doesn’t revolve around alcohol or drugs.

For context, this wasn’t my first Mardi Gras. I’d come during the infamous Pride celebrations in 2023. That year Sydney had been chosen to host World Pride, so everything was bigger and better, pride at its most superlative. And, like many others, my alcohol consumption had been excessive, to say the least.

That year went down in gay history books as one of the most chaotic Prides any of us had ever experienced. The parties went back to back, for weeks, and it felt like nobody came up for air.

Canadian TikToker Chris Zou went viral for asking the question we were all thinking. ‘When the f*ck do these people sleep?’

This time, however, I wanted something different. I’m currently on a journey to visit Pride events across all seven continents, but I’m also on a personal journey of sobriety.

Having recently hit the 18-month mark, I’ve been spending a lot of time reevaluating my relationship with queer spaces.

For gay men in particular, substance use has become ingrained into our community. I don’t shy away from bars or clubs, but sometimes it can be difficult to connect when it feels like you’re the only one not in line for the bar or the toilet cubicle.

Coming to Sydney I was worried about ‘being the sober one’, but bobbing up and down in the sea with a hundred-or-so fellow swim enthusiasts puts us all on the same level.

Small talk gives way to meaningful conversation, and I realise there’s more to the Harbour City’s LGBT+ community than I’d originally thought. Yes, they know how to throw a legendary party, but it turns out they know how to build a tight-knit community too.

‘These community groups are vital,’ Jeremy James from North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, tells Metro. ‘They provide spaces where we can find each other and build connections.

‘Just a few decades ago, Bondi was known for sustained violent acts against our community. Today, this event symbolizes the progress we’ve made and the unwavering strength of our community.’

It’s hard to imagine that this was a place once known for violence, but a memorial now stands here as a reminder of what took place.

Between the 1970s and 1990s, LGBT+ people were systematically targeted, with some allegedly being thrown from the cliffs.

Today, however, the cliffs of Bondi have been reclaimed as a place of love and acceptance. Lesbian influencers Gabi and Shanna (@27travels) got married here during World Pride, sending a powerful message that love will always win. The hoisting of the Pride flag above the swim club sends the same message.

This defiance can be felt everywhere across the Eastern Suburbs. At Fair Day – a community-driven Mardi Gras event – I’m overwhelmed by options for LGBT+ sports clubs. Row upon row of different societies are recruiting new members. With everything from boxing to dragon boat racing, it feels like there’s a club for everyone.

I explain that I have zero hand-eye coordination – I was always that queer kid who was picked last for PE – but I get the same answer at every turn: regardless of ability, everyone is welcome.

Against my better judgment, I have my arm twisted into attending the Big Gay Ice Bath Bonanza, an LGBT+ event focused on mental health. I regret my willingness as we gather on the sand before the sun has even risen. It’s already cold on the beach at this hour, and as I watch the baths being loaded with generous buckets of ice, I wonder what the hell I’ve signed up for.

But after ice-breakers and sunrise breathwork, the pieces click into place. ‘Events like these are important to give LGBT+ people a space to connect and build friendships beyond the party scene,’ Nick White – gay men’s coach and founder of the Happy Human Project – explains.

‘In a community where mental health struggles are common, these experiences help us feel stronger, more present, and seen.’

These words resonate as I plunge into the icy waters, laughing and shrieking alongside my fellow queers as if I’ve known them for years. I came here expecting a test of endurance, instead, I found a space where vulnerability was not just encouraged, but celebrated. Sometimes getting out of our comfort zones is the fastest way to new friends.

If ice baths and sports clubs aren’t your thing, however, there’s something for just about everyone.

There’s an LGBT+ dog pageant, a queer fashion show, and – perhaps most importantly – an LGBT+ prom for queer youth. That’s something that resonates with me personally; when I was a queer kid, I skipped prom because I didn’t feel free to be myself.

Sydney goes above and beyond to give everyone this freedom, and I think that’s what draws so many from overseas. Booking.com’s research shows that 51% of LGBT+ people consider how accepting a place is before booking a trip, and by the sheer number of queer tourists I meet, I think it’s clear that the city’s reputation proceeds it.

There’s a diverse offering of events for every member of the community too – there’s the Paradiso Pool Party for those who want to dance in their speedos, and the Kaftana Pool Party for those who prefer to cover up.

There’s the Hot Trans Summer boat party; the Ultra Violet party for queer women; and the renowned Sissy Ball, the largest vogue ball in the southern hemisphere, run by and for the trans community and QPOC.

It’s an opportunity for marginalised voices to be heard, and Kianna Oricci – the ball’s curator – uses her time on stage to educate: ‘This is a learning opportunity for everyone, to know how to protect us – trans women of colour – to make sure we are flourishing in whatever we’re doing, and that we have support from the wider community.’

Her speech is met with thunderous applause. It’s important to remember that seeking support from allies is how Sydney’s celebrations originally began. In 1978, queer activists came together to plan a protest, but knowing they didn’t want things to turn violent, they decided to guise the demonstration as a giant street party instead.

Sydney Mardi Gras was born, and almost 50 years later, it’s one of the biggest festivals in the world. The festivities are broadcast live on national TV – something unheard of for a Pride parade – and as such, they put on a show unrivalled anywhere else.

As the sun sets over Sydney, the city is transformed by the tidal wave of energy that is Mardi Gras after dark. A dancing shark – made from recycled materials – sashays down the street wielding pom poms. There’s choreography and pyrotechnics, and the march of the queer librarians who furiously shush the cheering crowd.

There are light-up costumes, reems of confetti, and more speedos than seems sensible. ‘Is Pride really not like this everywhere?’ a local lesbian asks me as a rainbow firework explodes overhead, beautifully unaware of how special and unique this celebration truly is.

By the time I’m deep into the after-party, all worries of ‘being the sober one’ have escaped me. As Leland brings out queer royalty like Troye Sivan and Trixie Matel, dripping with sweat, I dance alongside friends and strangers alike.

There’s no doubt that Sydney Mardi Gras knows how to throw a party, but if you look beneath the surface, you’ll also find one of the most welcoming (and sober-friendly, if you want that) communities in the world.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

It’s a Monday morning and you’re half asleep on the District Line heading into the office.

Amidst a sea of rucksacks and travel mugs, people sit and read their books or doomscroll on their phones, avoiding eye contact by whatever means necessary.

There are plenty of irritating commuter types out there who disrupt this almost zombie-like journey to our desk.

But one subset of London Underground passengers have been labelled the worst of them all: the ‘barebackers’.

Get your mind out of the gutter – it’s a perfectly innocent term coined by Curtis Morton, co-host of the Behind the Screens podcast, in a TikTok that’s racked up nearly 100,000 views.

Essentially, barebackers – also known as rawdoggers – are people who sit without any form of entertainment and people-watch, staring at other passengers to pass the time.

‘Barebackers are number one,’ Curtis says in the clip ranking the most annoying train travel habits.

‘You’ve commuted enough times – why are you sitting there without a phone, without a book, just looking at me, looking at what’s going on? Keep yourself to yourself. Read a book – just do something.’

It might sound a little harsh, given that a mere 25 years ago this was likely considered perfectly acceptable behaviour. Heaven forbid, people may have even stuck up conversation with their fellow passengers.

According to Curtis though, it’s still not an excuse for someone to stare into your soul.

He tells Metro: ‘I’m honoured to be the unofficial spokesperson in the important fight to eradicate all barebackers from our transport network. 

‘I get that 20 or 25 years ago people commuted without TikTok, Tinder and a podcast for every possible niche. They might’ve had ten songs on a Walkman and pure vibes.

‘Even then, we didn’t have a nation of dirty barebackers! People read books, did crosswords, even flipped through the Metro.

‘But now, at least once a day I seem to encounter someone just sitting there, no headphones, no phone, no distractions, not even pretending to scroll – just staring through me.’

The podcaster says this unwanted attention makes him suspicious of other travellers, and a little paranoid, joking: ‘I think, what are you plotting? Or are my flies undone? Have I accidentally turned the flash on my phone?’ 

And while Curtis commends people who find the time to keep up with their correspondence outside their daily commute, he adds: ‘I think it’s completely reasonable to ask: pull out your phone. Buy a book. God, even fall asleep.

‘Just leave the barebacking to the privacy of your own home, and not while making eye contact with me on the 7.48am to London Bridge.’

On TikTok, there was a general consensus Curtis was speaking some hard truths, with one comment reading: ‘Every point got me nodding my head ferociously.’

Not everyone agreed though, including Mark Joseph who wrote: ‘Anyone who doesn’t need constant stimulation from a book/phone/iPad, and can just exist in peace for five mins, is awesome.’

Barebackers weren’t the only commuter type under fire either. Curtis’s list of the worst passenger behaviours also featured playing music out loud or having loudspeaker phone conversations, which he ranked at number five.

Not letting people off the train before you get on sat at number four, while prematurely getting ready to alight took the number three spot. People who sit with their legs spread were his second most hated commuter stereotype, just behind barebackers.

Curtis’s co-host James had a couple of honourable mention too, from people who won’t remove their rucksack on a crowded train to those who hog the space on the platform where the train doors will open.

Among the comments, many shared their own additions to the list of commuting no-nos, with @Julian nominating ‘people putting their bag on the window seat and sitting on the aisle seat (especially when the train is busy).’

‘Eating on a train – put that McDonald’s cheeseburger away!’ added @aaron_pacey, while a third user said: ‘People who get on and then stop right in front of the door, so they block anyone else trying to get on.’

So, are you guilty of any of the above commuting offences?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

With Mercury and Venus in retrograde, the past influences the present.

Pisces, review old relationships and decisions before moving forward and Capricorn, expect delays and misunderstandings that put your patience to the test.

Libra, always double-check details and Leo, clear the emotional clutter to make space for new possibilities. 

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today Monday 31, March 2025.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox. To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

It would be no surprise if your perception felt skewed today and you weren’t so sure of your orientation. With Neptune newly in your sign and Venus and Mercury now reversing in Pisces, the situations you face may not seem to be responding as you think they should. If you can keep calm, the decisions you need to make and the actions you have to take will though filter into your mind.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

With Mercury and Venus now back in your social zone, you may experience a blast from the past. This could be a planned reunion or an unexpected call or encounter. People you once knew could show up bringing new opportunities, closure or a chance to catch up and perhaps reforge that old connection. And someone you only barely know could offer help just when you need it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

If you’re stuck and need assistance, track back through your experiences. An old boss or colleague could come in useful for a reference or even offer you a job, if you need one. On another tack, a more formal association could lean towards romance or friendliness over the coming weeks. Still, see how it pans out. The timing can reveal if there’s mileage or if it’s a just a temporary bond.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Beliefs you once held that may have been jettisoned, might come back into vogue or you may be very keen to have another look. The coming weeks could find you in a philosophical mood and looking into ideas that can help you move ahead with life. Mind, with Neptune now in your sector of career, your visions about what’s possible are about to shift more to the positive.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

With Mercury and Venus rewinding and stirring up your sector of shared assets and deep emotions, it’s time for a powerful reset. Old patterns, emotional baggage or limiting beliefs are ready to be released. Holding onto the past may be blocking your future success. This is your chance to clear emotional clutter so you can move forward freer and much more empowered.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Key influences suggest the past could come knocking. Former friends, acquaintances or even ex partners may resurface, offering a chance to reconnect or resolve lingering issues. You’re also invited to reflect on current relationships, especially if something is bothering you. It’s time for an honest conversation. Speak from the heart, as the right words can work wonders, Virgo.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

As Mercury and Venus continue to rewind and stir up your work zone, be sure to double-check everything. Mistakes and misunderstandings could creep in if you’ve been a little too relaxed about deadlines or important details. Forgetting to read the small print or miscommunication could cause issues, so stay alert. Slow down, review your work and avoid assumptions.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Romance, hobbies or friendships you thought were long gone could resurface. An old flame might reappear, an abandoned creative passion can appeal or a long-lost friend may get in touch. It’s time to bring something meaningful from the past into the present. If it still excites you, it’s worth exploring. Second chances could lead to beautiful new beginnings – if you want this.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

You may be keen to reconnect with family members you haven’t seen in a while. A heartfelt conversation or a long-overdue visit, could strengthen these bonds, bringing happiness and even healing. Even so, hold off on major home makeovers or big household projects, as plans could so easily unravel and results might not match expectations. It’s best to bide your time for now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

With Mercury and Venus rewinding, expect delays, misunderstandings and a few crossed wires. Key plans and projects may hit unexpected roadblocks, and conversations with important people could feel equally hit and miss. Will this frustrate? Perhaps, but patience is the key now. Adapt, be very clear and don’t assume others are on the same page. Look to double-check everything.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Do money matters feel like they’re stuck or in slow motion? Payments could be delayed, financial plans might need reviewing and getting a side hustle off the ground could take longer than expected. Use this time to fine-tune your strategy, rethink budgets and double-check contracts. Dig deep, and trust that when the planets move forward, so will your finances.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

With Mercury and Venus rewinding in your sign, the past is weaving its way into your present, influencing your decisions and direction. Old relationships, past choices and previous projects may resurface. It’s a powerful time to review and refine your plans. Whether in love, work or personal growth, progress comes from looking back before leaping ahead. No need to rush!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

During Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha you’ll notice many people saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ to one another.

Eid al-Fitr means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast ‘– it is celebrated for roughly three days at the end of Ramadan, the month during which many adult Muslims fast.

Eid al-Adha, just over two months later, means ‘feast of the sacrifice’ and takes place at the same time as many Muslims perform the Haji pilgrimage.

For 2025, Eid al-Fitr will start on Sunday March 30 or Monday March 31, as the date of the celebration is dependent on when the new crescent moon is sighted.

As such, Eid al-Adha is likely to begin around the evening of June 6, with the three-day event ending on June 10.

The traditional greeting for both is ‘Eid Mubarak’ which is used by Muslims during the holy festivals around the world. But what does it mean, and what’s the best way to wish someone a happy Eid?

What does ‘Eid Mubarak’ mean?

‘Eid’ translates to English as ‘celebration’ whilst ‘Mubarak’ means ‘blessed’ – so together the phrase means ‘blessed celebration’.

That’s the literal translation but more generally it’s meant as ‘have a blessed holiday’ or simply ‘Happy Eid’.

The greeting is more of a cultural tradition than a religious requirement, but it is very common during the two religious holidays.

Is there a reply to ‘Eid Mubarak’?

If someone says Eid Mubarak to you, it’s polite to respond by saying ‘Khair Mubarak’, which wishes goodwill on the person who greeted you.

You could also say ‘JazakAllah Khair’ which means thank you, but literally translates as ‘May Allah reward you with goodness’.

The best way to wish people a happy Eid

Even if you don’t celebrate yourself, you can say Eid Mubarak to your Muslim loved ones just as you’d wish Christians a Merry Christmas or Happy Easter.

Alternatively, you can say ‘Eid Saeed’, which literally translates to ‘Happy Eid’.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Walking through the airport, I soon spotted my arch nemesis: Ryanair’s ‘cage of doom’ bag sizer.

Many a traveller has fallen victim to its tight measurements in the past, leaving them with no option but to pay the extortionate on-the-spot fee of £46-£60 – just so they can indeed have clean underwear on their next adventure.

Today, however, I vowed that would not be me – thanks to an impressive Primark 8-Wheel Hard Shell Underseat Suitcase, for just £25.

Lifting my case into the sizer, at first it appeared there was no chance it was going to fit. Luckily, I had a singular trick up my sleeve…

I pressed the release buttons on the sides of each wheel and in seconds, had all four of them in a little bag, which then got stuffed inside my pocket. Then, holding my breath, I once again lowered the now wheel-less suitcase into the sizer.

One deliberate prod later and the case fell neatly into place – and the Primark case fit like a glove. 

‘Bingo!’ called a woman watching on from the queue behind me. She was right, I did in fact feel like a winner and it’s all thanks to Primark’s new suitcase.

As someone who loves to travel but refuses to pay a penny more on a trip than for her cheap airfare, I am always on the lookout for an underseat bag that’s going to help make that a reality.

The problem is, bags that promise to fit the baggage allowance requirements for the likes of Ryanair, WizzAir and EasyJet can often get quite bulky just due to the volume of items people try to cram into such a small space. 

So, when I stumbled upon this gem during a routine trip to Primark – ironically while scouting for a different bag I’d heard about – I was really buzzing.

It was the words ‘removable wheels’ printed on the tag that caught my eye and brought me to my knees with glee.

That may be a slight exaggeration, but I did find myself bounding over to the shelves, eyes practically bulging in anticipation and excitement. ‘Could this case be the one I’d been searching for for all these years?!’ I thought.

Now, admittedly, this wasn’t my first foray into Primark’s ‘viral’ luggage. Last year I picked up its similar-sized soft black bag with two wheels and a hidden handle and was pleasantly surprised at its practicality.

While the measurements were a couple of cm over the allowance, it passed the dreaded airport test, and it even survived a seven day trip to Estonia.

Yet it wasn’t the material of this newest find that gave me pause, rather it was the case itself.

See, I’ve never understood the desire to take a suitcase as part of your small cabin baggage allowance before – when you’re only given 40x20x25cm, in my opinion, the wheels and handle eat up valuable packing space, why not opt for something else?

However, if you were to take the wheels out of the equation, that suddenly makes a lot more sense. Plus, hard sides could also prevent overpacking, which would satisfy many an anxious traveller.

So, suitcase trundling swiftly behind me, I left Primark £25 poorer and ready to put this bag to the ultimate Ryanair test.

At home, I was impressed to find that the suitcase came in at the stated measurements and, when it came to packing, I was able to squeeze in enough clothes, underwear and swimwear for a three day trip.

I even got a spare pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, an electronics bag, a travel adaptor and a phone tripod inside, too. 

But now it was packed to the brim, would it actually fit in the baggage sizer?

En route to the airport, I was happy to find that the suitcase handled well, especially on smooth surfaces. It required a bit more force on hills and cobblestones, but when the wheels hit vinyl floors, I felt close to pure joy.

Then it was time for the moment of truth.

I didn’t have too many concerns going in to be honest as it seemed Primark had thought of everything, even down to the small black bag designed for storing the wheels.

Still, watching it fall so neatly into place was a great moment and one I’m sure all money-savvy travellers would enjoy too.

My only lingering concern is that Ryanair’s baggage policy specifically states that a ‘small bag’ is a ‘small personal bag, such as a handbag, laptop bag or backpack’. It might not explicitly prohibit a suitcase (even one without wheels) but get the wrong member of gate staff and you could have an issue.

Therefore, my advice is to remove the wheels before joining the queue and either store them inside the case or in a pocket so as to avoid attracting more attention than is necessary.

Hopefully this reduces your chance of being stopped and keeps the boarding process smooth for everyone. 

Overall, this new Primark suitcase does indeed get my seal of approval. It’s a great quality find for the price and it’ll certainly turn a few heads at the gate.

In fact, I can’t wait to take it on my next Ryanair flight with me and I think I’ll actually be disappointed if they don’t ask me to measure it. Cage of doom, come at me!

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Walking home from the pub on Christmas Eve, my blood suddenly ran cold.

This always happens when someone uses childhood sexual abuse (CSA) as a cheap gag. But to have a family member make light of such a topic – especially in a conversation about why I will never have children – hurt even more.

‘At least if you don’t want kids, you never need to worry about you being a paedophile, eh?’ they’d quipped.

To them it was a ‘meaningless joke’. But for me, it triggered a series of nightmares that loomed over me for the rest of the Christmas period.

The punchline brought me back to the worst years of my life, torturing me with vivid flashbacks and night terrors.

So while I’ve long made peace with my decision not to have kids – it would kill me to see them go through what I endured as a child – I’m tired of pretending to accept these jokes.

I’m not being sensitive. These kinds of comments normalise abuse. Perpetuating them contributes to the epidemic of CSA that allows 1 in 4 children to become victims. That has to stop.

When a family friend started grooming me at age seven, I knew it was weird for a grown man to make a child his confidante, but I didn’t have the language to speak up.

Over time, he pulled me into a dark web of grooming and sexual abuse and gradually I learned to maintain a mask for everyone else, while drowning in grief on the inside.

As I secretly wrestled with the abuse, paedophile jokes were flying in the classroom.

This Is Not Right

On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a year-long campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.

With the help of our partners at Women's Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.

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Even in primary school, quips about paedos and nonces were rampant and teachers rarely intervened; some even laughed along.

Everyone seemed unaffected by the reality they were mocking but as a child experiencing what everyone was making light of, I didn’t see the funny side of it. Instead, I internalised the unspoken message that this is normal, and it’s not serious. So I laughed along to fit in.

Of course, the only person responsible for my abuse is my abuser, but paedophile jokes provided the script to silence me for years. It contributed to my belief that the abuse, in my abuser’s words, ‘wasn’t anything to worry about’.

The only hint I got of how abusive this person was happened when he directly asked me if it was OK to touch me – a sick tactic many abusers use to make children feel responsible for their abuse – but the combination of the grooming and the jokes convinced me to bury my experiences.

I wouldn’t escape the abuse until nearly three years later when the family friend lost access to me because I stopped spending time at his house. 

When it stopped, I felt relieved that I got my physical freedom back but I didn’t truly understand what I was a victim of until my teens.

My realisation was a slow burn at first, triggered by numerous things, like mentions of abuse in PSHE classes in high school and storylines on soaps. However, when my mum read my diary at age 13, I realised just how severe it was. Her horror broke the dam of silence.

She believed me instantly, encouraging me to explain what had happened so I could report it. That was the moment everything clicked and it shook me to my core to realise that I was a victim.

I didn’t want to be associated with that word; I wanted to be a normal kid without any worries, but my abuser stole that possibility.

Dealing with the social services only exacerbated my anxiety and depression because they pushed me not to bother pursuing it in court, telling me I’d likely not win a case.

Even though my abuser admitted to most of my accusations to the social worker who questioned him, I decided not to pursue charges because I thought it would re-traumatise me. 

I couldn’t bear the thought of going to court only to lose and watch him walk free.

Yet, the guilt of not putting him in prison because I dropped the case and leaving others vulnerable to his abuse crucified me, delaying my recovery even further.

At 14, my mum encouraged me to go to therapy. But I wasn’t ready, only managing one session before descending into an eight-year cycle of self-harm and substance abuse.

Eventually, I broke that self-destruct cycle after opening up to my mum and my first boyfriend.

As I’ve grown into adulthood, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have complex PTSD – a type of PTSD that occurs after repeated or prolonged trauma – and gaining an understanding of how long-term trauma has changed the pathways in my brain has enabled me to confront it head-on.

There’s no doubt those few years in childhood irrevocably changed my sexuality and my understanding of consent, making me more vulnerable to other types of abuse. But I’ve learned to counteract these effects with compassion, self-love, and eternal self-development.

Despite my progress though, I’m still horrified by the commonality and normality of paedophile jokes.

I’ve pledged to start challenging these kinds of ‘jokes’ whenever I hear them

Society gaslit me into silence with punchlines, mocking mine and countless others’ experiences for entertainment. I refuse to continue aiding and abetting these sick jokes.

That’s why I confronted the person who triggered my worst memories over Christmas. I told them I would walk away if they ever did that to me again.

They were understanding yet dismissive in that they claimed they could not police it while drunk. I now avoid being around them when alcohol is involved.

More generally though, I’ve pledged to start challenging these kinds of ‘jokes’ whenever I hear them.

Sometimes that means I will respond by describing, in detail, the exact memory that they’ve triggered in exchange for a s****y joke. If I’m uncomfortable, then you can be, too.

I don’t always have the energy to lecture whenever someone makes one of these comments though; on those occasions I stonewall instead.

I don’t laugh and I ask why they think that’s funny. And, when they finish their weak explanation, I tell them that if they’d ever met a psychopathic paedophile, they wouldn’t find it so amusing.

When I do this, most people react awkwardly, either changing the subject or trying to joke their way out of it. I think being confronted with their own stupidity makes them less likely to challenge me on it. No one wants to fight for their ‘right’ to make paedophile jokes.

Childhood sexual abuse impacts every subsection of society, regardless of gender, race, religion, class, or ethnicity, and it traumatises people into silence. Yet, instead of empowering survivors to speak up, we’re driving them back into the darkness by laughing at them.

Our flippancy as a society allows abuse to fester by relegating it to the underbelly of society where no one can confront it, which is what abusers want.

To truly combat this we need survivors to feel empowered to speak up and to know that we believe them and won’t trivialise their experiences for a cheap punchline.

Survivors shouldn’t have to slink off to cry in the toilets or sit in grim silence while people make light of our trauma. Which is why I’ve recruited my family and friends to challenge these jokes with me, and I encourage you to do the same.

It’s up to all of us to say ‘no more’ and remember: When you speak up, you’re also speaking up for every other survivor.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.