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An explorer recently came across an abandoned chapel in the UK, and was left stunned by what he found inside. Many people were left feeling “sad” after seeing the footage

Most people recognise that the UK offers all sorts of wonderful discoveries, but occasionally explorers stumble upon the most extraordinary abandoned buildings. Recently, an urban explorer uncovered a derelict Welsh chapel, and what he discovered inside left him breathless and utterly stunned.

The man, who goes by Escapade on TikTok, recently posted footage of the property online and viewers were left heartbroken by what they witnessed inside. Whilst the chapel remains utterly beautiful, something unexpected was discovered within the building, with many people quick to admit how “sad” they found it, despite it being a spectacular location to both visit and explore.

Escapade described it as a “hidden beauty”, though he didn’t reveal its exact whereabouts. It’s not the first occasion someone has recently discovered an abandoned site that tells a haunting tale either.

In the clip, you can observe plants and flowers consuming the structure and several windows have been smashed. He confessed it was so overgrown he could “barely get in the door.”

Yet, when he ventured inside, the building was virtually untouched. The pews stayed intact, and the main windows were mesmerising as daylight continued to stream through the coloured glass.

An organ also sat in a state of decay, providing only a glimpse of what the chapel resembled in its heyday. So much heritage appears to be preserved within its walls.

Despite appearing untouched for years, the building clearly holds significant historical value. Whilst mould now covers the walls, he described the site as a “hidden gem”, noting the considerable beauty that remains within the structure.

The footage has racked up thousands of views since being posted, with numerous people leaving comments. Many described the chapel as “beautiful.”

One person said: “It’s so sad that we have turned our backs on these places.” Another added: “So beautiful. Sad it’s been left.”

A third replied: “I’d love to renovate that to a home. It’s gorgeous.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “What a beautiful window, but so sad to see the church in this condition.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “I find it so incredibly sad when buildings end up this way.” One more added: “It’s beautiful and needs to be saved.”

Whilst there exists a community of urban explorers who investigate derelict buildings, this practice isn’t typically recommended. Properties in advanced states of decay can pose serious safety hazards, making exploration potentially dangerous.

Additionally, permission should normally be obtained before entering any building. Even abandoned properties remain under someone’s ownership.

Consequently, entering without authorisation may constitute unlawful trespassing. This is crucial to remember.

Travelling by car can make some people feel queasy, but one woman has uncovered a simple trick that might make your sickness vanish – and it involves one simple cold remedy

Travel sickness can make life incredibly difficult for those who struggle with it. It makes using public transport a chore as you have to make sure you’re not going to be sick on an unsuspecting stranger on the train, and even travelling by car can be a nightmare, as many people who suffer can’t drive themselves.

There are many products on the market that claim to tackle travel sickness, such as patches and tablets, but these may not work for everyone, and aren’t always accessible if you suddenly feel motion sick and need effective relief. One woman, however, has claimed that one product most of us have in our medicine cabinets is “life-saving” for travel sickness sufferers.

In a video on Instagram, Kiki Rough explained that she was recently “fighting for her life” while trying not to be sick in the back of a taxi that was taking her to the airport.

She told the taxi driver that if she was sick in the car she would pay for the car to be cleaned and would give the driver a hefty tip for having to deal with the unpleasant situation – but the driver did something unexpected.

Instead of getting angry that Kiki was at risk of vomiting, the driver reached into her pocket and pulled out some Vicks VapoRub, which she handed to Kiki and told her to “put it under her nose”.

Kiki explained: “When I tell you, three decades of my life where I have fought to not throw up on every long-form car trip just disappeared. My nausea? Out the window.”

The kindness of the taxi driver didn’t stop there, as she also pulled out a small, empty container and scooped some of the VapoRub into it, handing it to Kiki for the rest of her journey, along with the sweet message: “Don’t get sick on your flight.”

Commenters on the video were blown away by the trick. Many said it would be “life-saving” for their upcoming trips if the smell of the Vicks product could keep them from feeling sick.

One person said: “I’m actually excited to try a long car ride now. Thank you for sharing this!”

Another added: “This is LIFE SAVING.”

A third wrote: “Did you just change my life with this?”

It’s believed that Vicks VapoRub works because the menthol scent blocks any strong smells that might be exacerbating your illness.

Getting fresh air and breathing in clean smells are proven ways to alleviate motion sickness, and the smell of Vicks could contribute to that.

Advice for dealing with motion sickness

Vicks is not designed to cure motion sickness, and the trick may not work for everyone, but there are other things you can try. According to the NHS, you can try these steps to ease the sickness yourself:

• Reduce motion by sitting in the front seat of a car or the middle of a boat
• Look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon
• Breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window
• Close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing
• Break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk
• Try ginger to settle the stomach, either as a tablet, in a biscuit, or in tea

The NHS also recommends that you do not do the following:

• Do not read, watch films or use electronic devices
• Do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves
• Do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods, or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel
• Do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-on-Sea, recently took on the ultimate ‘extreme day trip’ – travelling to Palma, Mallorca, and returning to the UK in the same day – all for just £143

A woman who jetted off to Spain for just a few hours – and still managed to squeeze in sightseeing, shopping, and sunbathing – says it cost her less than a night out in the UK.

Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-on-Sea, recently took on the ultimate “extreme day trip” – battling a storm while trying for a quick getaway. She hopped on a delayed plane to Palma, Mallorca, and returned to Britain in the same day – all for just £143.

The 25-year-old hit the beach, tucked into paella for one, and even ended up in the cockpit chatting to the pilot after a delayed flight. Her whirlwind day out proved a hit online too – with a TikTok video of her experience racking up 42,600 views from viewers loving the spontaneous adventure.

“It was so hot, so sunny – it was absolutely dreamy,” she told What’s The Jam. “The whole trip cost £143.08 including flights, transfers, food and everything – definitely cheaper than some nights out I’ve had before.

“By the end of it, with all the walking and being hot, I was so, so tired. I’d definitely do it again, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for no delayed flights next time.”

The communications manager started her day at the airport, but things didn’t exactly go to plan when she arrived to find every flight delayed due to Storm Amy battering parts of Europe. Thankfully, her flight did eventually take off.

Once she landed, Kelsie jumped on a 20-minute bus into Palma’s city centre where she admired the cathedral, wandered the streets, and hunted down a restaurant. After lunch, she strolled to the beach to soak up the sun, calling the weather “absolutely dreamy”, before hitting the shops.

By the end of the day, exhausted but happy, she splurged on an Uber back to the airport – putting her Spanish skills to the test with the driver.

The return leg didn’t go smoothly either, with the flight delayed by two hours – but things took a turn for the better when the friendly pilot invited passengers into the cockpit for a peek.

Kelsie says she’d “absolutely do it again”, but is hoping for smoother skies next time.

She said: “I just had a really nice lunch and then headed over to the beach. I walked about 20 minutes and then sat down for a good hour. The thought of getting back on the bus to the airport was honestly upsetting me, so I just jumped in an Uber.”

Viewers were quick to praise Kelsie for making the most of her mini break. “That’s an impressive day Kels,” said one person.

Someone else said: “I do it all the time; great way to spend the day.”

Another viewer added: “I love doing these! So far I’ve done Belfast, Wroclaw, Alicante, Copenhagen and now have Barcelona booked for the end of this month.”

The On The Beach worker shared five destinations he is convinced will go viral next year

With 2026 rapidly approaching, many families are already planning next year’s holiday. For those in need of inspiration, a travel blogger and On The Beach specialist has revealed five destinations he expects to explode in popularity next year – and which you could book now to avoid the rush.

Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. He is well-known online for providing budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips, which has helped him amass a significant following on social media, especially on TikTok where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.

In a new post, Rob shared a video titled: “Five destinations I think are about to go viral, my 2026 holiday destination predictions.” His caption said: “Trust me, these 5 holiday destinations will be all over your ‘for you’ page next year.” Rob told viewers: “There are five destinations that I think are about to go viral in 2026.

“I spent a lot of time recently looking through the holiday data from this year, and I think these places are gonna be huge next year. These are places rising fast in 2025 that I think are about to hit the next level next year.”

Sharing fifth place on his list, Rob said: “Porto in Portugal. Lisbon had its moment, and Porto’s next. It’s cheaper. People say it’s trendier, and it’s got that perfect mix of Old Town charm and ocean views.

“It’s becoming the new city break with sunshine favourite, and we’ve seen bookings here shoot up already this year. The fact that it still flies under the radar against Lisbon and the Algarve makes it feel like the next big thing for travellers, and I found three nights in Porto next year with flights from £213 per person. Not bad.”

Moving onto the fourth spot, he said: “Seville in Spain. Seville is the Spanish city that’s finally getting the love it deserves. It’s got the architecture of Madrid, the atmosphere of Barcelona, but it’s half the price and the food’s better. 2025 was its breakout year, and we can see that in the booking numbers. But 2026 is when it’ll go properly big time. And at these prices, I’m not surprised. I found three nights in Seville with flights for just £182 per person.”

In third, Rob said: “Bulgaria. This one’s a bit of a dark horse. Bulgaria is becoming the go-to for affordable beach holidays. But it’s not just about being cheap anymore. The hotels are improving, the beaches are spotless, and Sunny Beach is growing up a little bit. It’s still dead fun. There’s just less chaos. If value stays king next summer, which I think it will, Bulgaria will be massive.

“We’ve seen more bookings this year, and the data shows more searches for lower-cost Eastern European holidays. And when I did a search myself, I found seven nights in Sunny Beach with flights for a family of four for £214 per person, and that’s all-inclusive.”

Revealing second place, the blogger said: “Agadir in Morocco. It’s a four-hour flight from the UK, the weather is about 25 degrees all year, and the resorts have gone up a notch in the last few years. All-inclusive holidays here tend to be cheaper than the Canaries, and people are realising that it’s an exotic destination, but without a long-haul flight. In recent years, we’ve seen Agadir popping up as a real contender to the usual winter sun destinations. This year it’s gone up again. You can expect to see more deals like this one in 2026. Seven nights in Agadir, all-inclusive package with flights, just 370 quid per person. It’s a no-brainer.

Rob’s top spot goes to Egypt, reports the Express. He said: “I feel like I bang on about Egypt, but it’s had one of the biggest glow-ups in years. Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada genuinely have world-class hotels now, proper five-star resorts with stunning views of the Red Sea, and unbeatable weather all year round. The beaches and the diving and the all-inclusives are unmatched at its price. And I think 2026 is the year that Egypt becomes the luxury destination without the long-haul flight. And here’s why. Five-star all-inclusive in June 2026 for seven nights is just £412 per person.

“So that’s my five to watch for 2026. Porto, Seville, Bulgaria, Agadir and Egypt. Each one of them has seen a big surge already, and each one of them offers something different to people.”

The video racked up over 300k views and thousands of likes. One viewer replied: “Agadir in November was gorgeous! Just chilly on evenings.”

Another commenter thought: “Seville is so beautiful and underrated. Great food spots and amazing things to do. Just don’t go in June you will be cooked in the heat.”

With millions of people in the United States at risk of losing access to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – also known as food stamps – from November 1, a viral chart has claimed to show the majority of the nation’s food stamp recipients are non-white and noncitizens.

The chart, titled Food Stamps by Ethnicity, listed 36 groups of people and said it showed the “percentage of US households receiving SNAP benefits”.

The groups were labelled by nationality, such as “Afghan”, “Somali”, “Iraqi”, along with the racial groups “white”, “Black” and “native”. The chart appeared to show that Afghan people were the largest group receiving SNAP benefits, at 45.6 percent, followed by Somali (42.4 percent) and Iraqi (34.8 percent). White people, represented on the chart with the US flag, were third to last at 8.6 percent.

The federal government shutdown, which started on October 1, is the cause of the looming SNAP funding lapse. SNAP provides food purchasing benefits to low-income households. Conservatives have peddled the misleading narrative that Democrats are pushing for healthcare for undocumented migrants, and people commenting on the chart rehashed a similar talking point.

“Who is getting their EBT cut?” read the caption of an October 25 X post sharing the chart, which had 3.1 million views as of October 27. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, which is a SNAP payment system.

“Only 18.7% of EBT or food stamp recipients are American. Let that sink in …” read another post sharing the chart, seemingly mistakenly referring to the figure next to the word “Armenian”; there was no “American” category in the chart. “We are subsidizing foreigners on the taxpayers dime.”

Who is getting their EBT cut pic.twitter.com/el8x9X5iVX

— The General (@1776General_) October 25, 2025

The chart doesn’t show the full picture of SNAP recipients by race or ethnicity. The most reliable source for the breakdown of SNAP recipients by demographics comes from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the programme.

According to the most recent USDA data available, from 2023, white people are the largest racial group receiving SNAP benefits, at 35.4 percent. African Americans are next, making up 25.7 percent of recipients, then Hispanic people at 15.6 percent, Asian people at 3.9 percent, Native Americans at 1.3 percent and multiracial people at 1 percent. The race of 17 percent of participants is unknown.

The same report found that 89.4 percent of SNAP recipients were US-born citizens, meaning less than 11 percent of SNAP participants were foreign-born. Of the latter figure, 6.2 percent were naturalised citizens, 1.1 percent were refugees and 3.3 percent were other noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents and other eligible noncitizens.

While large shares of the groups listed in the chart may receive food stamps, “they are certainly a tiny share of the households and spending on SNAP”, said Tracy Roof, University of Richmond associate professor of political science.

Survey data shows an incomplete picture on SNAP recipients

The chart shared on social media originated from a June blog post from The Personal Finance Wizards, which cited “US Census Table S0201” as its source. The site offers financial advice, but published a disclaimer saying it cannot guarantee the “completeness, accuracy, or reliability” of its information.

The site’s authors appeared to cherry-pick groups to include in the chart, noting, “It’s important to note that the graph highlights a selection of ethnicities we felt would be most relevant and engaging for our audience.” It did not name an author.

In a comment on an Instagram post sharing the chart, Personal Finance Wizards shared a link to the US Census table it used. It shows data from the 2024 American Community Survey, filtered by 49 racial and ethnic groups. The filtered groups don’t completely overlap with the groups in the chart, but the dataset has a column for “households with food stamp/SNAP benefits”, which shows percentages similar to the ones in the chart.

The data does not show what percentage of all SNAP beneficiaries belong to an ethnic or nationality group.

Joseph Llobrera, senior director of research for the food assistance team at the liberal think tank Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said the chart appeared to show the shares of households receiving SNAP based on the household respondents’ reported ancestry, which is different from citizenship status.

“Without context, this graphic is misleading and may lead some to conclude that many non-citizens are participating in SNAP, which is not true,” he said.

The American Community Survey allows respondents to self-identify their race. It also defines ancestry as a “person’s ethnic origin or descent, roots or heritage, place of birth, or place of parents’ ancestors before their arrival in the United States”.

Colleen Heflin, Syracuse University expert on food insecurity, nutrition and welfare policy, said the American Community Survey data on SNAP receipts is self-reported, and that question “is known to have a great deal of measurement error” when compared with SNAP administrative data.

Chart reflects higher levels of need in groups with higher shares of SNAP participation

Groups such as Afghans and Iraqis, who are first and third on the chart, would have been more likely to have immediately qualified for the SNAP programme before the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s passage because of their special immigration status.

Before the law’s passage, refugees and people who had been granted asylum were also eligible for SNAP without a waiting period. Somalis, who were second on the chart, are “more likely” to qualify based on those criteria, Roof said.

Other noncitizens, such as lawful permanent residents, could be eligible for SNAP only after a five-year waiting period.

But the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the eligibility, making refugees and asylum seekers ineligible. Immigrants in the country illegally are not and have never been eligible for SNAP.

A Canadian man living in the UK recently travelled to Newcastle for the first time and was blown away by the city and the surrounding area

Discovering new parts of the UK can reveal some truly stunning sights, from hidden forests to quaint villages boasting top-notch independent coffee shops. However, one Canadian man’s first visit to Newcastle has left locals scratching their heads after he likened a part just outside of the city to the sunny beaches of Greece.

Matt Giffen, originally from Canada but now residing in the UK, recently embarked on his first-ever trip to Newcastle and the surrounding Tyne and Wear area. Keen to explore beyond the city limits, Matt sought out a beach, and his social media followers directed him towards Tynemouth.

Located just eight miles from Newcastle, Tynemouth is easily accessible via the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is precisely how Matt travelled. Within half an hour, he was soaking up local attractions, including the Tynemouth Market, held at the station every weekend.

In a TikTok video documenting his journey, Matt praised Tynemouth for its “wholesome vibes” and suggested it seemed like a “very nice place to live”.

Before hitting the beach, Matt indulged in a classic British dish of fish and chips from Longsands Fish Kitchen, accompanied by a pot of curry sauce.

He remarked: “Can I just say, everyone here is so friendly. It’s like a little pixie fairy town here, it’s not a real place.”

When Matt finally reached King Edward’s Bay, he was taken aback by the tranquillity and cleanliness of the beach. Despite the overcast skies, he even compared the sandy shore to Greece.

He questioned: “Why has nobody told me that the UK has beaches like this? It’s probably so busy here in the summer.”

While enjoying the beach, Matt savoured three oysters from Riley’s Fish Shack, a local eatery perched on the edge of the bay that serves food all year round.

But King Edward’s Bay isn’t Tynemouth’s only beach, and Matt took a brief stroll to Long Sands Beach to give his followers a glimpse of the larger seafront. Capturing footage of surfers, he likened the beach to the renowned Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.

He exclaimed: “It’s giving the British version of Bondi Beach.”

Viewers were astonished to learn that Matt, a frequent traveller around the UK, had visited Newcastle and Tynemouth. Many expressed delight that he was sampling local cuisine.

One individual commented: “Thank you, pal! Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are what make us proud of the North East. To be literally 30 mins on a metro near the beach and a city and have the diameter of Newcastle United fans is why we are proud of where we are from. Thank you for putting this on your platform.”

Another chimed in: “I am loving Americans discovering UK food and realising that it isn’t bland and horrible!”

Parents loved the ‘genius’ tips when they were shared online in a popular video

Family holidays offer lots of excitement, but they can also involve high levels of stress. From making sure your children have packed all their essentials to dealing with travel disruptions, it’s a busy time for parents.

Thankfully, one parent who has picked up a few helpful tips has shared a video outlining some of her favourite hacks – and social media users loved the ‘genius’ ideas. Content creator @muddlethroughmummy often shares tips and tricks with her 627k followers on TikTok, where she is known for her ‘positive parenting’ videos.

In one post, the savvy mum shared a video captioned: “Here’s 10 tips on how you can make travelling with kids that bit easier.” In her video, the parent explained: “Take your own car seat. Most airlines let you check it into oversized luggage free of charge.

“Before you travel, save the whole family’s boarding passes to your phone wallet for ease. The less you have to carry, the better. Unfortunately, most airports have now monetised the fast track for families. But if you’re travelling in peak times, it might be worth paying the £6 per head to skip the long queues.”

She continued: “Take your push chair all the way to the foot of the airplane stairs. Gates can be a bit of a walk from the lounge, and it’s great for naps whilst you wait. Designate one person to unload all technology and liquids at security, and the other one can keep an eye on the kids.

“Having your kids carry their own luggage is a great idea. Mine really enjoy having that responsibility. They like to be involved, and it makes them feel important. And travelling with hand luggage only whenever possible is a great tip, so you’re not having to wait around at the other end.

“Don’t forget your reusable water bottles to fill up once through security. And take your own snacks. If we have early flights, I do breakfast pouches with individually packed pastries and fruit. And if you’re worried your kids won’t like the airplane food, take porridge or pasta pots with you and then just ask for hot water.

“Lollipops are great for takeoff to avoid ears getting popped, or milk works if they’re still having it. I hope you found this useful!”

Viewers loved the video, and it racked up over 16,000 views. Replying to the post, one parent said: “Oh genius idea about the pasta pots, I have a very fussy 6yo and was worrying about what she would eat. Thank you!”

Someone else shared: “All tech in one bag was a game changer for us. With phones and iPad and 3 switches it was a nightmare with it all in different bags!”

A viral video showing a woman freezing her açaí bowl to get it past security has sparked a warning from experts, who say the hack could lead to a £5,000 fine for UK travellers

Social media, particularly TikTok, has emerged as a breeding ground for so-called “travel hacks.” Holidaymakers frequently rely on content creators for guidance on maximising their flights and hotel experiences.

Nevertheless, much of the guidance discovered online should be approached with considerable scepticism, particularly when it doesn’t originate from a qualified professional. This has proven true with one passenger’s footage, which has captured the attention of travellers and has now been viewed more than a million times.

In the footage, she demonstrates how she smuggles her açaí bowl through airport security: by freezing it before placing it in her hand luggage, reports the Express.

The post sparked confusion in the comments section, with one viewer questioning: “Wait, how did you get this through security?”, and another cautioning: “Pretty sure this is still considered a liquid.”

Now, travel specialists are offering their verdict – and they have one stark warning.

According to Amanda Parker, spokesperson for Netflights, freezing açaí bowls or similar liquids to stop security screening isn’t merely ineffective – it could lead to your snack being seized or, worse still, a substantial penalty.

“According to official government guidelines, you’re not allowed to carry frozen items in your hand luggage,” the travel expert clarified.

“Even though this açaí bowl is frozen, it’s still considered a liquid and security will treat it as a liquid.

“Your treat may start to thaw when you pass through airport security, and if it exceeds the 100 ml liquid limit, it’ll be going straight in the bin. Plus, the spillage while you carry it, not worth the hassle.”

And the danger doesn’t stop at security checks, as travellers jetting back to the UK could find their bowl’s contents triggering alarm bells with customs officials.

Numerous favourite toppings and ingredients – from dairy products to seeds and fresh fruit – violate UK border regulations.

“There are restrictions on bringing food back to the UK, too. Meat, dairy, fish, fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are all no-nos,” Amanda cautioned. “You could face a £5,000 fine if you break these rules.

“As açaí bowls are normally topped with nuts and seeds, plus they’re dairy, it’s important not to freeze your açaí bowl for your flight home to the UK, as you could pay the price.”

When British singer Kwn (pronounced kay-one) asked her friend-collaborator Kehlani to kiss her in the video for her seductive track, “Worst Behaviour,” she knew it was going to break the internet.

With steamy lyrics like “Cut the lights, turn the bass up, we gon’ hit some notes,” the original track was already making waves online when Kwn dropped it in November. It gained even more eyes when R&B superstar and five-time Grammy nominee Kehlani hopped on the remix, which they gifted to yearning fans on Valentine’s Day.

Supporters took to social media to film their live reactions and comment on the artists’ incredibly long make-out and seemingly undeniable chemistry.

“Are … we supposed to see this? Omg,” one person said on YouTube.

“This is gonna be somebody’s awakening,” commented another.

“It’s sickening how many times I’ve replayed this video lol,” declared another.

But if you ask Kwn, the two entertainers were doing just that — entertaining. As of mid-October the video, which was directed by Chris Chance, had more than 21 million views on YouTube — a number that still shocks Kwn each time she hears it.

“I’m super happy, man. I knew that song was going to be something, and I’m glad that the world took it in just as much as I did,” Kwn says about the track that she recorded live on Instagram in her childhood bedroom in Walthamstow in east London.

Shortly after, Kwn dropped yet another chills-down-your-spine, sapphic bedroom jam, “Do What I Say,” which is the second single from her latest EP titled “With All Due Respect.” As someone who’s been making music since she was a preteen — she picked up the drums first, then attended the acclaimed East London Arts and Music school — the 25-year-old crooner says the recognition is long overdue.

“I felt like so many people were doubting me and sleeping on me, especially after [I was] dropped from my label,” says Kwn, who was let go from U.K.-based Black Butter Records in mid-2024. The direct title, “With All Due Respect,” was meant to boldly signal that she’s “not playing games anymore,” she adds.

The nine-track EP kicks off with the “bite me intro,” in which Kwn sing-raps the commanding lyrics, “I don’t want to be humble no more/Baby, bite, bite, bite me/Bite me, bite me.” This confident energy carries throughout the project including on the EP’s second feature with fellow London girl group, Flo — whom Kwn calls this generation’s Destiny’s Child — on the sensual “Talk You Through It.”

Kwn is kicking off the U.S. and Canada stretch of her With All Due Respect tour in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the Echo, which also marks her first ever headlining tour. Ahead of the sold-out L.A. show, she phoned in from London to share what she learned from touring with Kehlani, why she thinks artists should share their creative process and why she’s much more than just that viral moment. And cough cough, there’s more music on the way.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

“I’m really just being myself on stage and letting my personality out. So I think that’s what’s captivating people, which I’m glad about,” Kwn said.

(Michelle Helena Janssen)

You started making music when you were about 11 years old after your older sister took you to her friend’s at-home studio. How exciting was it for you to be learning how to lay tracks and produce tracks at such a young age?

I feel like it was always destined, to be honest. My nan showed me a video the other day of me tapping pens on the table and making beats from a super young age. I was probably like 9 or 10, and then my mom bought me a drum kit when I was super young as well. So that was the first instrument I picked up — the drums. Then obviously I was learning little bits in school like how to record myself and produce. Then my sister introduced me to that friend and he had a studio in his house. Any time my sister would go over there, I’d go with her, maybe like once a month or something and pretty much just watch his process. I’m a very visual learner so I was learning a lot just from watching people. I’d stay up really late and watch YouTube videos of people making beats and stuff.

You’ve been making music for a long time, but you didn’t release your first official song (“wn way or another”) until 2022. Take me back to that time. How did it feel to finally share your music with the world?

I was super anxious. You always think to yourself — ‘cause I signed to a record label back then as well — that as soon as you drop your first song, that’s it. You’re gonna go off. But that’s definitely not the case, d’you know what I mean? Also, it was such a long time coming because I’d written those songs so long before that probably in like 2018 and 2019. It was a long time coming, so it kind of felt like a release as well.

You were dropped from your label just days before you released your single “Eyes Wide Open,” which started catching people’s attention. Did you feel like you’d finally figured out your sound and the direction you wanted to go in with that song?

Yeah, 100%. As soon as I made that beat, I was like Ohhh. It’s clicked now. I was trying for so long to find what I was trying to do. I think I was struggling because I didn’t really understand where I was trying to go, so the people I was working with couldn’t aid me in trying to find the sound too. So as soon as I got that, I was like “Oh, this is it.” And then when I wrote it, I was like, I’ve never heard anything like this before — in the least big-headed way possible. That was definitely the moment for me where I was like “All right, this is going to do something. It has to.” If it doesn’t, then I don’t know. Obviously I’m going to keep going but it’s gotta make a little bit of a shift somewhere for me, and it did and I’m so grateful for it.

Speaking of “Eyes Wide Open,” you have a distinct style in all of your videos including “Worst Behaviour” and “Do What I Say.” You use a single frame that looks like it was shot in one take. It’s very cinematic. Can you talk about why that style resonates with you? Are you a film buff?

[Laughs] I watched a film called “The Boiling Point” and that is all shot in one take. When you watch a one take — not even just a music video — you don’t want to take your eyes off of it because you don’t want to miss anything. My director, Chris Chance, and I felt like the art of music videos kind of died a little bit. There were only a select few people that were really making [captivating] videos and things that were capturing your attention, so we were like we need something that is just going to keep your eyes on it at all times. And the one take just works, man. We did that one pretty quick. We didn’t have a lot of time because the house that we were shooting in was somebody’s actual house, and I think that their kids had come home. But we just wanted something that was just super captivating and just lures you in. “Lord I Tried” was a one take too. We knew that worked and that looked incredible. And then obviously we did it with “Eyes Wide Open” as well, then after that we were like we got to keep this going. It’s becoming a theme now.

Why do you enjoy showing your process for making songs on Instagram Live? I’m sure you can’t do it as much as you used to now.

It was my manager’s idea like back in 2019 or 2020. She was like “I think you just need to go on Instagram Live. Let people see your process.” And I was like “I don’t know,” but she was like “Just trust me.” At first, it was just me, her and maybe like two other people in there. Then I would do it here and there, and then after lockdown, I started doing it a bit more. I don’t know. It was just that you don’t get to see many artists’ process in the studio. I always think about people like Beyoncé. There’s only like a few videos of her in the studio and you always think to yourself like, “Man, I wonder how these people’s brains work.” There’s loads of videos of Pharrell and I think that’s what I love about him. I can always go on the internet and search up “Pharrell in the studio” and there will be something of him whether it’s with like Justin Timberlake or Timbaland or something. I think it’s just cool to see how people’s brains work and what makes the light bulb go off at certain moments. That’s what a lot of it is in my IG lives. You can see when my brain figures something out. I think it’s cool. We shouldn’t really gate-keep our processes. I’ll [hop] off to write the lyrics because I don’t want to give them everything because people will start stealing tips and tricks, ya know what I’m sayin’? Again, it just makes you human. We’re not like these robots that churn out the music. It takes time and people should get the privilege of being able to see that, especially like my core fan base. It was just a lot of them at the time. Now it’s a lot for me because there’s so many people that come on there and they’ll end up screen recording it and putting it on the internet and that bit, I’m like “Ah, guys, come on.” I should probably get back to it a little bit more, but this year I haven’t been in the studio as much as I usually am. But I’m definitely going to get back on there for sure.

In June you dropped “With All Due Respect.” Talk to me about the inspiration for the title and what your mindset was going into the creation of that EP.

I had a different title before and then we scrapped that. I was like it needs to be something that [shows] people that I’m not playing games anymore. I felt like so many people were doubting me and sleeping on me, especially after I was dropped from my label before. I was like, “Everyone’s sleeping on me.” I’m trying to get in with artists and producers, and they’re not hitting me back. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but I know I can do this. And then it was Chris [Chance] that came up with that. He had sent me a list of like 12 different names [and] “With All Due Respect” was one of them.

“I think people are just starting to put out music that they genuinely love and we’re not chasing a trend or chasing a TikTok moment anymore,” Kwn said.

(Michelle Helena Janssen)

In a previous interview, you said that “With All Due Respect” is the first part of a two-part album and that you’re planning to release a B-side. Is that still the plan? If so, when can we expect that?

Yeah, absolutely. I’ve just been so busy with this promo stuff and then obviously we jumped straight into tour. It’s going well though. I’m excited about the next set of music. It’s very classic. That’s what it feels like timely.

I have to ask. Are you planning on dropping it sometime next year?

Yeah. It’s not going to be a year after that. I tell ya [laughs].

You toured with Kehlani last year (on the Europe stretch) and you said that the experience proved to you that you can really do this music thing. Fast forward just months later, you are in the midst of your first headlining tour. How does that make you feel? What was your mindset going into this tour?

I was definitely nervous. But I think I was nervous because I was like, you can fake streams. You can fake followers. You can fake all this stuff, but the one thing you can’t fake is people, real people buying tickets to your show. Not saying that I have fake streams or followers, because I absolutely do not. But the real telling is like people coming to see you at your shows, and the feedback that you get from that. And yeah, the reception has been great, man. It’s been more than I could have imagined. I’ll be honest. I have not seen a bad word about my show, which I’m really grateful for because that’s all I wanted to be honest. I just wanted to be able to have fun. I wanted to be able to engage with people. I’m not a dancer or anything, ya know, so I felt like it was going to be hard for me to engage with the crowd and give them a good show, but I’m really just being myself on stage and letting my personality out. So I think that’s what’s captivating people, which I’m glad about.

You’re kicking off the U.S. and Canada leg of your tour in L.A. on Tuesday. What can fans expect?

A good time! I keep saying it’s really a special experience to be able to do these small, intimate shows. And I know people are like, “You could’ve sold out this venue and you could’ve done this venue …” And I’m like, yeah but these intimate, almost like one-to-one moments and experiences with people is what they will appreciate a lot more in the long run. And I know I am too. I be walking into these venues and I’m like “Oh, this small. Like we definitely could’ve gone bigger.” But I’m like nah. This is what it’s about. Everybody’s gotta start somewhere and I think it’s just important, like I said, that we can have these intimate moments with each other. It’s a super super special experience, it feels great.

From Cleo Sol to Sasha Keable to Odeal to Elmiene and several others, it truly feels like the U.K. R&B scene is having a moment. How does this make you feel to be a part of such good company?

It’s great. I feel like music was kind of on a decline for a little bit. It felt like no one was really excited about music, but I feel like now it’s like “Oh, people are really getting excited about things again.” I think people are just starting to put out music that they genuinely love and we’re not chasing a trend or chasing a TikTok moment anymore. I feel like it’s just genuine music that everybody’s loving, so it feels good right now. The scene feels great.

A Christmas lover has highlighted a festive event that they think could be the ‘most underrated’ in London

It’s not long now until Christmas celebrations kick off across the country, with festive markets, ice rinks, and the like returning to many cities and towns. In London, there will be no shortage of family-friendly events for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit.

2025 also sees the return of a festive fayre that’s been described as “the most underrated Christmas market in London.” The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns for two weekends in December, running between December 5-7 and 12-14.

One previous visitor who shared high praise for the event recommended the ticketed event in a social media video. Posting on TikTok as @travelfromessex, the blogging duo wrote: “If you are planning on hitting a London Christmas market this year make it Hampton Court Palaces Festive Fayre!

“In our opinion it’s the most underrated Christmas market in London! Running on 5-7 & 12-14 December 2025, book your ticket now. You can wander the palace & grounds during your visit too! It makes you feel like you have travelled back in time. Enjoy festive stalls, food & drinks as well as live entertainment.”

The post racked up over 5k likes, and viewers loved the recommendation. Someone replied: “Oh I can’t wait for this!!!” A viewer praised: “Looks amazing.” Another fan said: Definitely need to go!”

According to Hampton Court Palace’s website, the fayre features over one hundred artisan producers, with Henry VIII’s palace serving as the backdrop. The event page states: “Experience a ‘truly magical day’ at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.

“This much-loved Christmas shopping event is back for two unforgettable weekends, hosted entirely in the stunning Great Fountain Garden of Henry VIII’s famous palace. There is no better way to kick off a festive season to remember!

“Don’t miss an unforgettable festive day out with your loved ones. Eat, shop and be merry at this spectacular palace. Visit on Fridays to save on entry. Return on the second weekend to discover even more independent stallholders, with members visiting for free. Included in your ticket, why not also explore the grand palace, 60 acre gardens and famous maze.” Adult tickets start from £28.

Hampton Court Palace has thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor, with many mentioning the festive fayre. For example, one previous visitor said: “This place, in my opinion, is simply magical. It is just a privilege to walk around this stunning place. We kicked off our festive activities by visiting the Palace, the Christmas fayre, followed by ice-skating.

“Yes, a lot of things are expensive, but I considered this as a treat; we ate several times from the wonderful stalls. We are Royal Palaces Members so enjoyed benefits there of course. We all came away with smiles on our faces. Lovely staff.”

Another wrote: “We have membership to the royal palaces, but this was our first year attending the 3 day Festive Fayre event. It was absolutely wonderful.

“The courtyards are filled with stalls, offering everything from craft gins and beers, to wonderful trinkets and gifts and every cuisine under the sun. Once the sun started to set, the fairy lights in the courtyards made the experience even more magical.”

A TikTok user has shared a ‘travel hack’ that shows how to get an açaí bowl through security – but experts have warned that it could result in a hefty fine

Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have become a hub for so-called “travel hacks.”

Holidaymakers often turn to these online content creators for tips on how to make the most of their flights and hotel stays.

However, much of the advice found online should be taken with a pinch of salt, especially if it doesn’t come from a qualified expert.

This has been the case with one passenger’s video, which has caught the attention of travellers worldwide and has now been viewed over a million times.

In the clip, she reveals how she manages to get her açaí bowl past security: by freezing it before packing it in her hand luggage, reports Chronicle Live.

The post sparked confusion in the comments section, with one viewer asking: “Wait, how did you get this through security?”, and another warning, “Pretty sure this is still considered a liquid.”

Now, travel experts are weighing in – and they have one clear warning.

According to Amanda Parker, spokesperson for Netflights, freezing açaí bowls or similar liquids to bypass security screening isn’t just ineffective – it could result in your snack being confiscated or, worse, a hefty fine.

“According to official government guidelines, you’re not allowed to carry frozen items in your hand luggage,” explained the travel specialist.

Even though this açaí bowl is frozen, it’s still considered a liquid and security will treat it as a liquid. “Your treat may start to thaw when you pass through airport security, and if it exceeds the 100 ml liquid limit, it’ll be going straight in the bin. Plus, the spillage while you carry it, not worth the hassle.”

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Furthermore, the risk continues beyond security, as the contents of the bowl could also cause issues at customs for those returning to the UK. Many popular toppings and ingredients, including dairy, seeds, and fresh fruit, breach UK border regulations.

“There are restrictions on bringing food back to the UK, too. Meat, dairy, fish, fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are all no-nos,” Amanda warned. “You could face a £5,000 fine if you break these rules. Since açaí bowls are typically topped with nuts, seeds, and dairy, it’s crucial not to freeze your açaí bowl for your flight back to the UK, as you could pay the price.”

According to visitors, the ‘hidden gem’ is “pure magic” and has “stunning views”

A “hidden gem” in the UK has been hailed as a “bucket list must-see” by visitors. Nestled in Porthcurno, Cornwall, the tranquil spot is celebrated for its ‘stunning views.’

The Minack Theatre, perched on the cliffs of South-West Cornwall, hosts live performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, opera, music and children’s events. While the theatre may look as if it’s been here forever, it’s actually less than a hundred years old.

The theatre, built by Rowena Cade, has been labelled “pure magic” and “breathtaking” by visitors. While it’s a well-known treasure among locals, the Minack Theatre offers a serene escape for those from further afield.

The TikTok account @ukhiddengems posted a video highlighting the beauty of the theatre. The caption read: “Did you know about this place in England?”

In the clip, they said: “There’s a theatre in England built into the edge of a cliff and when the tide comes in, the ocean becomes the stage. It looks ancient like something the Romans might have left behind, but it was actually built less than a century ago, almost entirely by one woman.

“In the 1930s Rowena Cade carved this open-air theatre into the granite cliffs with her own hands, hauling stone and sand from the beach below. Today, it’s one of the most spectacular performance spaces in the world; a full working theatre with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop.

“You can sit on stone seats cut from the rock, watch waves crash beneath the stage and see plays under open skies, with gulls flying overhead. At sunset, when the light turns gold across the sea, it’s pure magic.”

TripAdvisor reviewers have also been praising the theatre, which has racked up an impressive 4.7 star rating. Among them, one person said: “Wow what a place! Little gem hidden away in Cornwall. Well worth going to take a look and take in the views. There was also a performance from a band with instramental which we sat and watched for a while. The views are unbelievable here!!”

A second wrote: “Stunning views, gardens and hospitality and entrance fee good value. Loved the effort made to tell the story and it made my trip to Cornwall.” A third review read: “Utterly breathtaking. We went on March 20th as part of a bucket list and we were not disappointed. Reading the astonishing history of this special place was in itself incredible. Seeing it in real life was amazing, we have vowed to book tickets for a performance.”

Another said: “What a beautiful place to visit! The views are breathtaking and can make some beautiful photos. I love the history of this and learning a wonderful women and her gardeners built this beautiful place when it was just a patch of grass, it’s crazy as it looks like it could be built by the Romans!”

The praise continued, with one person writing: “A truly incredible and beautiful place. All the passion and hard work by Rowena Cade and all those who worked alongside her can really be felt here. One of the most breathtaking places I have ever had coffee and cake and entry fee not extortionately expensive either. Pre booking is essential though. A bucket list must see.”

The Minack Theatre is open until December 31 and booking is essential for anyone hoping to visit. Local residents go free, but there is an entry fee for anyone else. Tickets include free readmission to the theatre for 12 months from the date of first entry.

The theatre is open for visits from 10am. Last admission may vary, depending on performance schedule, so it is worth checking opening times before you visit. The site is steep and includes many steps. It is open to the elements and surfaces may be slippery in wet weather.

The pretty harbour town stuns throughout the year, but autumn could be the perfect season for a relaxed visit

Coastal lovers know the perfect spot for anyone seeking a quiet escape with peaceful walks and splendid views. For anyone who finds themselves near Cornwall, Fowey could offer an ideal autumn day out or staycation.

The pretty harbour town attracts visitors year-round, but there’s lots to charm autumn visitors, who might like to take in the atmospheric cobbled streets and less-crowded coastal walks with a hot chocolate in hand. Ruby’s Ice Cream, which offers ice cream shops in Cornwall, praised Fowey as an autumn destination in a recent social media video.

Taking to TikTok, @rubysicecreamshop shared a post titled: “7 reasons you should visit Fowey this Autumn.” The list read:

1. The artisanal shops and cafes2. The dining3. The ferry across to Polruan4. The hot chocolates5. The quiet coastal walks6. The bakeries7. The ice cream

Visit Cornwall describes Fowey as “perfect for exploring.” The tourism board’s website says: “Perched on the banks of a deep river, Fowey is a picturesque town overflowing with history.

“Dating back to medieval times, its narrow cobbled streets are now lined with Victorian and Edwardian buildings which cascade towards the water’s edge.

“Fowey’s natural deep-water harbour and sheltered waters established it as an important trading hub throughout the centuries for tin, copper and China clay – the latter of which is still exported from the area today.

“The town sits within the South Coast – Eastern National Landscape and is bordered by farmland, rugged coastline and pretty beaches. The meandering creeks of the river wind through ancient oak woodlands, making the area perfect for exploring.”

On TripAdvisor, the Fowey Estuary has hundreds of excellent ratings. One reviewer wrote: “Whenever we visit this part of Cornwall, we always try to get to visit Fowey. There are plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants to choose from, and a good selection of shops, including some local independents.

“We always make time to walk out to Readymoney Cove, and sometimes also St Catherine’s Fort, enjoying the views of the estuary along the way. There are toilets and a small beach shop at Readymoney Cove.”

Another visitor said: “What a delightful place. We parked at the top of the town and walked down. This is quite steep for anyone who may have difficulty walking. The lovely streets with quaint shops enable you to just meander down to the estuary. But you just have to buy some delicious Cornish pasties too.”

Someone else praised: “What a beautiful place, loads to do around the town with some of the best restaurants, great shops and fantastic views. Will be back again.” Another fan wrote: “Great place to unwind, and chill on the river. Fowey Town has a thriving mix of restaurants pubs and variety on entertainment to easily keep you there for a week.”

A presenter has revealed he is the recognisable voice behind the Channel 4 programme introductions we see most days – and shared what a day in the life looks like

When sitting down to watch television on a night, we get used to seeing repeated adverts, familiar channel logos, and presenters. One voiceover artists has shared what really happens before you hear programme introductions on Channel 4.

Sam Darlastone works as a presenter on Kiss radio and has his own podcast called Embarrassing For No Reason. He also works as a voiceover artist, whose voice you may recognise in between programmes on Channel 4. Now he opened up about how it works. On Instagram, he shared a video of him introducing what was on. Sam said: “If you’ve heard this sort of thing on TV, this is how it comes together. So you may have heard that or something similar on TV before that is called a trending menu.”

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Explaining, the presenter added: “So trending menus actually start way before they reach the voice overs here at Channel 4, the team will pick three shows to focus on, some will be old some will be new, well most will be new.”

He noted there will be a mix of genres included in the announcement. He shared: “When I finally get there [to the Channel 4 studios] my job is to spend the afternoon scripting, which sometimes surprises people because in certain voiceover rolls you wouldn’t write your own script, but for these we do.”

Sam added he will be giving a brief with a time slot, typically around 20 seconds, and three programmes to talk about.

He noted: “Then we head down to the recording booth – or some people call it the dungeon.”

He claimed he records with the video of the show in front of him. He also previously admitted that sometimes he makes mistakes and doesn’t always get it perfect on the first try.

“Great to put a face to the voice,” commented one. “I love this geeky stuff,” said another. One called Sam “the coolest guy for the coolest channel”.

“Love a good insight into some art being made,” wrote a third. Another added: “Love listening to your voice.”

Another wrote: “You’re the Channel 4 voiceover! I’ve heard your voice loads while watching Friday Night Dinner and Channel 4 Player.”

One other said: “I will never hear your channel 4 voice overs the same again.”

“I’ve often thought about this – and no can see the face to the voice,” one other added.

Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK

France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.

While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.

Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.

Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”

Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.

“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.

“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.

“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.

“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.

“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”

Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).

She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.

Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.

Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.

She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.

After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.

Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.

She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.

“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”

Here in the UK, many of our towns and cities are connected by an impressive network of trains. A Brit who used Australian transport system for the first time was wowed by one feature

A British woman on a working holiday in Sydney, Australia was pleasantly surprised after getting on a train and spotting a “cool” feature – but many people were quick to point out it may not be as unique as she thinks. Despite both the UK and Australia sharing the same native language, there are many differences and culture clashes between the countries.

It can be an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience to live abroad, even in destinations that still speak the same tongue. Many people choose to go travelling around the world, or take jobs that offer them the opportunity to live in a different country, getting first hand experience of contrasting cultures and other ways of life.

This appears to be the case for Megan, a British woman who’s moved to the Bondi area near Sydney in Australia, on a working holiday. Working holiday visas are typically for younger people – usually aged 18-35 for UK citizens – and allows them to live and work in the country, on a flexible basis, for up to a year.

Like lots of others, Megan has taken to documenting her experiences on social media, regularly offering snapshots of her new life on TikTok.

In one particularly popular video, Megan shared her awe over the Sydney trains, which feature adjustable seats that can be flipped so they face forwards, backwards, or sideways. This then allows passengers to sit facing others.

Over the top of the footage, captured from her point of view and showing how to easily adjust the train seat, Megan penned: “As a Brit in Australia, this has baffled me…”

In the caption accompanying the clip, she simply added: “Their trains are so much cooler here lol!!”

The video has so far racked up more than 4.6 million views. In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts – with many adamant this was a feature here in the UK.

One person said: “This is very old technology. We used to have seating like this on trams over a hundred years ago. I know because I’ve been to Critch Museum.”

Another agreed: “Trains used to be like this in England”.

A third said: “British trams 100s of years ago did this” while a fourth echoed this: “Trams had this over 100 years ago in Scotland.”

One TikTok user simply said: “Blackpool trams were like this.”

Another shared: “I was on a literal steam engine built in the early 1900s last summer and they had this lol”.

Another joked: “When does this update drop in the UK?”

A local said: “As an Australian this has baffled me too because this is just a Sydney thing”.

Another local was surprised and commented: “TRAINS CAN DO THAT HERE..?”

Someone else observed: “Wait this is so cool”.

Another shared: “I (a Brit) once discovered this on a train in New York by accident and got the whole train of Americans doing it after hahaha”.

And another added: “As an American, I thought all trains did this”.

A British woman who recently moved her family to Florida in the US has shared the top 10 things they don’t like about living in the sunshine state. There are certain things they seem to hate

A British family have relocated to America, but they’ve confessed there are certain aspects of life in the US they’re struggling to adjust to, and she’s not the first expat to be shocked by the differences. The woman who documents their experience under the username brits.inthesunshinestate on TikTok has revealed the 10 things the family dislike about living in Florida.

Despite only residing in the US for a matter of months, there are certain things they simply cannot get used to, and they’ve now laid them all bare. Emily posted her thoughts in a recent video, and her opinions have certainly sparked considerable debate.

It’s not the first occasion Brits have voiced their perspectives on the American lifestyle either. Previously, it emerged some Brits consider certain American customs completely impolite.

In the footage, she revealed: “Number one, the public bathroom stalls. The doors have a gap, probably like that either side. You can see straight through them.

“If you are sat on the toilet or, if you are washing your hands, you can see the reflection in the mirror. You can see people moving, you can see people’s clothes. I don’t like it, I don’t like the lack of privacy.

“Number two, WhatsApp does not really exist much out here. It’s all about texting and, to me, that is old school.

“Three, Florida drivers. They are wild, they are aggressive. In time, I will get used to it but, for now, it’s still a little bit crazy.

“Four. Since we’ve been here, we have had multiple people soliciting at our door, trying to sell their business, because they happen to be in the neighbourhood or going door to door. Don’t like that. We can stop it by putting a ‘no soliciting’ thing on our door. We can get that fixed.”

In the clip, Emily also pointed out the family aren’t keen on sluggish pumps at petrol stations either. According to her, filling up can “take forever.”

She also highlighted that post can take ages to turn up, unless you’re ordering from Amazon Prime. Based on her experience, she said her mail can take anything from a week to 10 days to arrive.

Insects can also be “relentless” during the evening when you go for a stroll, she added. As soon as the sun goes down, she said they appear everywhere, and she finds it really annoying.

Snakes have also been a problem for her, though she admitted one she spotted was “fine.” Emily explained they have found a cottonmouth snake in the garden, and she didn’t like this as they can be dangerous.

Last but not least, she also admitted she thinks the healthcare system is “confusing.” Even though she likes how it’s run, she doesn’t like how tricky it is to understand.

She said there’s a lot of paperwork, and it’s something they’ll have to learn to get used to. Emily admitted it’s up to them to learn all they need to know about the system. Despite listing the downsides, she insisted that moving was still the best decision they’ve ever made.

The family are over the moon with their new life and adore living in the States. The video has racked up thousands of views since it was posted, sparking a flurry of comments, and opinions were decidedly split.

One viewer remarked: “As an American, we don’t like our stalls either. Might as well leave the door open wide.”

Another commented: “That’s exactly what I thought when I went to the USA years ago. I couldn’t live there because of the public toilets.”

A third responded: “I’ve lived in America for five years and I’ve never seen snakes.” Meanwhile, a fourth added: “All my bills come by email.”

Another person chimed in with: “Most drivers aren’t from Florida. They are either tourists or live here but moved from another state. It does make driving tricky though.”

WILKO is now selling official Labubu dolls – but shoppers have been infuriated by the hefty price tags.

The dolls, which originate from Hong Kong, are retailing for £50 at the high street chain.

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Customers took to social media to express their anger at the prices of the fang-toothed, fuzzy dolls.

One said on Instagram: ” The prices are horrendous.”

Another added: “Get stuffed.”

While a third said: “Disgusting prices.”

The dolls are currently available both in Wilko stores and online.

Wilko returned to UK high streets last year after announcing it would be closing all of its shops back in October 2023.

The Labubu doll was first introduced in 2015 but has soared in popularity through celebrity endorsements and its ‘ugly-cute’ design.

They are particularly popular across Southern Asia, with K-Pop performer, Lisa, sharing the fluffy doll on her Instagram story which skyrocketed the craze around the toy.

The hashtag Labubu has appeared more than a million times on TikTok.

Where else can you purchase Labubu’s

The figures are available on the Pop Mart platform but consumers have to be incredibly savvy to get them as they are often sold out.

However, if you live near London, Pop Mart’s new flagship shop has just opened on Oxford Street, which often has exclusive drops of the dolls.

These retail for £32, far less than Wilko.

The doll is also available on Amazon for much cheaper prices, although highly sought after editions can sell for upwards of three figures.

You might have more luck looking on second hand retailers such as Vinted or Depop, who often sell high quality items for half the price.

If you don’t want to purchase the item, you can even rent the dolls.

You can borrow the charms for around £4 a day on platforms such as By Rotation.

Growing number of fakes

Not only have the dolls risen to extremely high prices, there is huge number of counterfeits arriving in the UK.

Out of the 259,000 fake toys that arrived in the UK this year, 90% have been Labubu dolls.

Experts value this haul at nearly £3.3million.

Many of these toys fail safety checks for banned chemicals and pose significant choking hazards.

However, despite these safety concerns, IPO research said that 92% of customer we’re aware they we’re buying counterfeit products, but that the price was more important.

How to avoid buying fake toys

Many customers are not aware that they are buying fakes, but the IPO research found that 58% would think twice before purchasing if they knew the safety risks.

Customers should stick to there trusted retailers and official branded websites to avoid purchasing fakes.

Additionally, prices that look ‘to good to be true’ are likely to imply a fake item.

You should also look thoroughly through the reviews before purchasing, look beyond the first few.

When the toy arrives you should look for a UKCA safety mark and a UK or EU contact on the pacakaging.

The packaging should also look of high standard and not have any immediate signs of wear.

For Labubu’s particular, collectors suggest looking for signs such as brightness of the packaging, pop mart stamp on their foot, number of teeth of the dolls should have (nine) and the presence of the a QR code, to ensure the validity of the doll.

Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame on social media over the summer

Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame. The 26-year-old construction worker, who hails from Newcastle, has become instantly known thanks to an eight second video posted on TikTok that has landed him a Channel 4 documentary and a multi-figure brand deal.

The viral social media star is known for his famous haircut, but in a newly-resurfaced photograph, the influencer looks totally different with a style that is worlds away from his signature look.

Standing on the right end in a snap taken in a pub, Jack can posing in front of a pint and is sporting with a much-less defined fringe whilst his beard and chain are nowhere to be seen.

READ MORE: Ibiza Final Boss’s real reason for haircut as he reveals how much he spends weekly at barberREAD MORE: Ibiza Final Boss star Jack Kay’s secret daughter revealed

Speaking about his incredible rise to fame, he said: “Where I’m from is like a council estate. Not much happens round there for people like me. People like me don’t get the chance to make it to this level, do you know what I mean? To make it to this level is like a dream, honest to god!”

On August 3, Jack was dancing at a party when he caught the attention of clothing label Zero Six West Ibiza. He had black and gold sunglasses on to match his black vest and massive gold chain. His muscled arms were on display and his now iconic bowl haircut had been shaped to perfection. The clothing label posted an eight-second clip of Jack dancing, and asked: “Does anyone know this absolute legend coz we’ve got 2 free guestlist with his name on it!”

On TikTok alone, the video has had almost 30million views and Jack became a meme, dubbed the Ibiza Final Boss. He captured the attention of many and soon signed with a talent agency and embarking on a club appearance tour, which one PR expert estimated could earn him £1k-5k per night. With at least eight appearances under his belt, that is an estimated earning of anywhere between £8k and £40k from club appearances.

The new film follows Jack as he adjusts to life in the spotlight and tries to find longevity in his newfound career as an internet personality. When asked why millions went wild for his unique look, Jack said: “I think why people love that video because it’s just my aura.

“I think no one has seen us before. When I’ve just stepped in the dance, looking the way I’m looking with my shades and my hair. My tattoos, my muscles, my beard and stuff. People think, ‘Who’s he?’ That’s what I think.”

He went onto reveal that he now goes to the hairdresser three times a week to keep up his look – and spends nearly £80 weekly.

“Before the fame, it was twice a week but now it’s three times,” he said. “I’ve got to keep myself on point.

“Three, four years ago, I had long hair, like a slick-back. I got sick of it and changed it to a Scouse trim. It’s basically just a low fade. Brush my hair to the side, put a bit of hairspray on. It’s got to be spot on.”

He added: “It looks fresh doesn’t it? Everyone loves it. Especially the birds. They loved it before the fame and now.”

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