A flight attendant has revealed the secret reason why cabin crew will greet passengers on the plane – and it’s not just because they’re being polite
Why do flight attendants greet passengers when they’re boarding the craft?(Image: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever taken a flight, you’ll know that the cabin crew greet passengers upon their entry into the aircraft.
While it may have seemed like nothing more than a polite gesture up until now, a flight attendant has revealed the real reason behind the friendly greeting. Ioana Iachim, a flight attendant working for Wizz Air has confessed there’s a hidden meaning behind a cabin crew member’s affable hello during boarding.
Taking to TikTok to share some of her insider secrets, Ioana revealed: “Did you know that your flight attendant greets you not only out of politeness but also, to check whether or not you are too drunk or sick to fly.”
Presumably, cabin crew then keep an eye on passengers they believe could stir up trouble or may not be fit to fly, and might even prevent them from boarding. Ioana’s video currently has over 3.5 million views and over 190k likes.
There’s a reason behind the cabin crew’s pleasantries and it’s not just out of politeness(Image: Getty Images)
Several travellers were shocked at Ioana’s revelation, with one writing: “And I thought they fancied me.” Another TikTok user commented on the video: “I never greet them back because I am an introvert.” One added: “So why do I always sit next to people hacking up a lung and nobody does anything.” Ioana’s hack isn’t the only flight attendant secret that has been revealed in recent times.
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As a flight attendant for the past 22 years, Sue Fogwell has warned fliers against ordering a Bloody Mary while in the skies. While speaking to Travel + Leisure, Sue shared that giving the Bloody Mary a miss is probably wise. The cabin crew member said: “Due to the very high sodium content, I always avoid drinking Mr&Mrs T/bloody mary mix and tomato juice.”
This is because drinks and foods that have a high sodium content can dehydrate passengers fairly quickly, especially on long-haul flights. What’s more, the vodka in a classic Bloody Mary has also been identified as a dehydrator, with the NHS advising fliers to limit their alcohol consumption while on an aircraft.
In another instance, ex-flight attendant and viral TikTok sensation, Kat Kamalani, shared some unnerving truths about the state of an aircraft’s water tanks. She warned: “Don’t you ever, ever, ever consume these products from an airplane, from a flight attendant! Rule number one never consume any liquid that is not in a can or a bottle.”
She went on to claim that “those water tanks are never cleaned and they are disgusting”. In fact, cabin crew themselves won’t touch hot drinks. She explained: “We rarely rarely drink the coffee or tea. They come from the same water tank. And so when you’re drinking that coffee and tea come from that hot water and it’s absolutely disgusting.”
Barcelona is now creating a new ‘zone’ strategy after crowds of eager tourists put themselves in danger to compete with an emerging TikTok trend
04:00, 18 Jun 2025Updated 08:44, 18 Jun 2025
Barcelona’s city council is introducing a new project to address surging ‘selfie-tourism’ to one historic monument(Image: Getty Images)
Authorities in Barcelona are planning to construct a special zone for people to “take selfies” after a dangerous trend took hold outside its most famous landmark.
A recent TikTok video which went viral in Barcelona saw the tourist-clad destination overrun with social media users clogging metro exits. It’s reported they had been eager to try their hand at replicating the same act in city’s famous square – that is, until the city council stepped in.
Plaça Gaudí, the square in front of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, was fraught with TikTok-enthusiastic tourists balancing their phones on metro escalators to film themselves while the iconic monument appeared in the background.
The sheer amount of visitors looking to capture their individual shots led to severely clogged station exits and was eventually banned. Subsequently, Barcelona City Council has now decided to construct a special zone beside the Sagrada Familia where visitors cantake selfies before entering.
The 6,200-sqm ‘anteroom’ will be located between the Nativity façade of the basilica and Plaça Gaudí on Carrer de la Marina. “The new project helps to resolve a space where it is difficult to reconcile uses between visitors to the temple and the neighbourhood,” the city council said.
Construction on the gathering zone is scheduled to begin after the 2025 summer and be finished by April 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The €2.7 million (£2.3 million) project is part of a wider €15.5 million (£13.2 million) plan to improve infrastructure and visitor management around the sacred site.
In 2024, the city launched a €44 million plan to regulate crowds in 16 tourist hotspots by deploying more cleaners and police officers to maintain order and safety.
The crypt of the Sagrada Familia has been awarded World Heritage(Image: Getty Images)
The Sagrada Familia is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona and welcomes millions of visitors every year. That said, entrance queues can be quite long so you should be prepared with water and sunscreen.
The Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s best-known work and has been under construction since 1882. Although the architect Francesc de Paula Villar was originally commissioned to carry out the Sagrada Família’s project, just a year later he was replaced by the young Gaudí.
The Nativity façade and crypt have been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. To learn more about the history of the building, you can book a walking tour of the church, which also include skip-the-line tickets.
Local protestors in Barcelona have taken to shooting tourists with water guns as tensions rise(Image: AP)
Despite the introduction of a new zone to battle tourist and selfie-stick wielders, Barcelona – like many other popular European cities – is still having a standoff with foreign tourists.
Spain hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, compared with 83 million in 2019. Locals have even taken to shooting water at tourists as a way to protest their presence in cities like Barcelona.
“The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,” Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor café. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”
The emerging Web3 project Snorter Bot (SNORT) has successfully accumulated over $1 million through its ongoing crypto presale campaign, positioning itself as a potential game-changer within the Solana ecosystem.
This innovative meme token combines a familiar animal-themed branding approach with practical trading bot functionality, presenting users with advanced tools for navigating the volatile crypto market.
The project’s unique approach has attracted whale investors and retail buyers alike, making the Snorter Token presale one of the most promising crypto investment options in 2025.
Snorter distinguishes itself from conventional meme crypto projects by delivering genuine utility through its sophisticated Telegram-based trading platform. The Snorter Bot protocol provides users with lightning-fast transaction capabilities, automated token discovery for new launches, portfolio management tools, and copy trading features.
These comprehensive functionalities are designed to give traders a decisive advantage in the fast-paced cryptocurrency environment.
The platform also incorporates cutting-edge MEV protection and intelligent anti-scam detection systems, addressing critical security concerns in the meme coin sector. Snorter Token holders benefit from reduced trading fees, paying only 0.85% compared to the industry-standard 1.5% rate.
This competitive fee structure, combined with the bot’s high-performance capabilities, creates compelling value for active traders seeking efficient execution tools.
Snorter Token’s fundraising success began with an exceptional $60,000 raised within its first few minutes – and just a couple of weeks later, it’s surging toward the $1 million milestone. This organic growth was achieved without institutional venture capital backing, reflecting genuine retail investor enthusiasm for the SNORT crypto.
The Snorter Bot project has also attracted endorsements from notable crypto influencers, including ClayBro (136,000 YouTube subscribers), who highlighted Snorter’s combination of meme culture and real-world trading utility.
Early participants can access substantial staking rewards of approximately 462% APY, creating additional incentives for long-term holders.
Multi-Chain Expansion Plans Position Snorter for Widespread Adoption
While conventional crypto trading approaches leave investors scrambling through clunky interfaces as prices explode past their entry targets, Snorter’s pioneering execution system delivers immediate results. This technological superiority enables ordinary traders to compete directly with sophisticated AI systems that take advantage of slower participants during emerging token releases.
Furthermore, Snorter Bot’s robust security measures will tackle the rampant scam epidemic affecting countless investors – with testing phases demonstrating an 85% chance that Snorter will identify fraudulent projects.
Snorter’s flexible infrastructure will eventually span numerous blockchain networks (including BNB Chain, Ethereum, and Base as well as Solana), offering unmatched versatility for modern crypto traders.
The next SNORT price increase is scheduled to take place in a matter of hours, but the tokens are currently priced at just $0.0951.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.
The coastal town is known for its historic connections to the sea and has been hailed as one of the best places to live in the UK, according to Zoopla.
Deal has been named one of the best places to live in the UK(Image: Chris Mansfield via Getty Images)
As the summer season arrives, many are planning trips and outdoor adventures to make the most of the sunny weather. While travelling abroad can be exciting, it can also be a strain on the purse strings. Luckily, Britain is teeming with fantastic staycation spots that offer unique experiences and days out without breaking the bank.
One such picturesque location can be found in Kent. With its pebbled beaches, vibrant houses and charming streets, Deal has been dubbed a “dreamy” destination for a tranquil retreat. This coastal town is renowned for its historical ties to the sea and has been named one of the best places to live in the UK, according to Zoopla.
It features a lively high street filled with delightful independent shops, two stunning castles – Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, and breathtaking views of the seafront. The locale also gained recognition after being used as a filming location for the popular ITV drama, Liar.
A video showcasing what Deal has to offer went viral, captivating viewers, reports the Express. The post, shared by @keeperscottages, read: “Welcome to Deal. A hidden gem of Kent, perfect for a short break or family holiday. We have a range of beautiful houses, cottages and apartments to rent right here in Deal.”
Keepers Cottages further added: “Just one hour and 23 minutes from London St Pancras, it’s full of picturesque buildings and pastel-coloured houses with dozens of amazing food places, plenty of dog-friendly beaches, restaurants, cafes, and shops.”
The sea, beach and buildings along Beach Street in Deal(Image: Patrick Donovan via Getty Images)
Besides, every Saturday, a market brimming with local produce takes place. And for the golf enthusiasts, there are three championship courses perfect for a game of putt.
After watching the TikTok clip, people took to the comments section to share their hopes of visiting the staycation spot. One individual said: “On my list. When I visit England.” Another wrote: “We have friends in Deal and it is exactly this lovely.”
A third added: “So lovely.” And a fourth remarked that the scenery looks absolutely “dreamy”.
Getting there
For those who aren’t driving, reaching Deal is a breeze with a train journey. From London, trains whisk you away to your coastal retreat in around an hour and half.
If you’re coming from the north or Birmingham, you’ll need to zip down to London before hopping on a connecting service to Deal.
Audiences were unimpressed when Rachel Burden and Ben Boulos started giggling over a news segment about a criminal act on BBC Breakfast
Ben Boulos has been accused of not taking news presenting seriously enough after laughing during a BBC Breakfast segment(Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast hosts Rachel Burden and Ben Boulos have come under fire for laughing during a segment on a piece of art being damaged by tourists in Italy.
The controversy unfolded during Sunday’s (15 June) episode of the chat show when the presenting pair returned to the red sofa to discuss some of the day’s trending stories. One of them featured viral CCTV footage from the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy, which showed a couple damaging a Van Gogh-style chair adorned with hundreds of crystals.
Ben introduced the clip, asking: “Now have you ever visited a museum and been tempted, even though you’re not supposed to, to touch a piece of art and thought better of it?”
The BBC show host was caught giggling over a couple accidentally destroying an artwork in Italy(Image: BBC)
As the CCTV footage began to play, Rachel added: “Well just watch this because this is CCTV footage of a couple who decided to try out a chair.”
“This was a Van Gogh style chair covered in hundreds of crystals inside a museum in Verona,” she explained, as the video showed the chair beginning to sway.
“It wasn’t supposed to look like that. It wasn’t supposed to be wonky. But as you can see…” Rachel continued, as Ben burst out laughing on air.
“The man decided ‘I might as well try it out’ and it immediately collapses,” she said. “At which point, him and his wife say ‘quick! get out of here!’”
The couple appeared to decide to sit on a chair in the Palazzo Maffei museum before toppling it over
Ben was still giggling when he added: “It now tells a story. It tells a new story. Art evolves doesn’t it?” Rachel replied: “They’ve added, you can say, to the art work.”
The hosts went on to comment on the aftermath, with Rachel pointing out: “The couple apparently fled the museum before staff noticed what had happened.
“I mean quite how sort of vigorously this couple is now being pursued by the authorities I do not know, they certainly left their mark.”
Ben laughed again, telling viewers: “They did, indeed. Imagine that moment of horror when it happened and you thought ‘Oh dear, we’re in trouble’.”
Rachel chimed in: “Then realised that it has been beamed around the world on news programmes.”
“Exactly. Like this,” Ben replied. But the presenting duo’s jokey tone didn’t sit well with many watching from home. Viewers quickly took to social media to voice their disappointment with the hosts for ‘trivialising’ the destruction of a valuable piece of art.
One person took to X saying: “I hope they catch the couple from the museum. Also don’t understand why BBC Breakfast are treating it as a laugh and a joke.”
Another added: “Seem to have totally skipped over the fact the guy destroyed a piece of art… He had no right to try it out! #BBCBreakfast.”
This comes after Ben admitted to being embarrassed last year when he mistakenly thought a guest was disagreeing with him on air, but she actually had a brain disorder that was causing involuntary muscle spasms, shaking her face and neck.
He told fellow BBC Breakfast host Sarah Campbell: “The thing about this job that we do is that if you say something wrong, put your foot in it, it can very easily go viral.”
June 15 (UPI) — Days after Sen. Alex Padilla was handcuffed and removed for interrupting a news conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Democratic lawmaker insisted the clash was not a calculated move for attention.
Noem held the news conference Thursday to provide an update on the federal government’s enforcement actions in Los Angeles pertaining to protests against recent raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Padilla, D-Calif., interrupted the news conference and demanded that Noem answer questions. In the moment, Noem called his interruption “inappropriate” and said she would speak with him after concluding the news conference.
The lawmaker was asked about the clash during an interview with Dana Bash on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday. Padilla revealed he had been in the federal building for a scheduled briefing with representatives of the U.S. Northern Command, which had deployed troops to the city, when he learned Noem was having the press conference a few doors down. His briefing was delayed and so he asked if he could listen in on the news conference.
“Surprise, surprise, no substance came from that press conference, just political attacks. And when I heard the secretary, not for the first time in that press conference, talk about needing to liberate the people of Los Angeles from their duly elected mayor and governor, it was at that moment that I chose to try to ask a question,” Padilla said Sunday.
Padilla said he “needed to speak up” because Americans have seen numerous stories of hardworking people who are maybe undocumented but “otherwise law-abiding, good people” who are being subjected to the “terror” of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations.
“I couldn’t get a couple of words out before obviously you saw agents respond, hands on me pretty much immediately,” Padilla said. “And, look, everybody’s seen the video. You know what happened after that.”
Bash noted that DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin later accused Padilla of trying to “manufacture a viral moment.”
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Padilla said. “… It was an opportunity to ask a question and do my job as a senator, right, do my job as a senator in questioning the Cabinet secretary.”
Bash noted that CNN security correspondent Josh Campbell, who was an FBI agent, said that Noem’s security acted appropriately by removing him from the news conference. But Padilla disagreed.
“If that’s how they treat a senator trying to ask a question — here’s one of my big takeaways — then imagine not what they can do, what they are doing to so many people without titles,” Padilla responded.
Bash suggested that those who removed him might not have known has identity, even though he said early in the exchanges that he is a senator.
“Look, the whole Los Angeles press court — this is Los Angeles. This is my hometown. They know who I was,” he said. “And what does it say about the secretary to not know who the senator from California is, the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration? …. She came through the Senate for confirmation at one point.”
A British man who travelled to Canada to see his wife for the first time was left amazed by the size of the houses in the Toronto area – but many locals were quick to tell him ‘the truth’
A British man experienced a big cultural shock when travelling to Canada (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Rayhaan, a Brit who recently jetted off to Canada to meet his partner, has gone viral on social media after sharing his first impressions of Canadian homes, which he found astonishingly different from those back in the UK.
The astonished traveller took to TikTok to post a video from the car as he headed to his wife’s home in the Toronto area – a clip that’s now racked up over 1.4 million views. Used to the more modestly-sized homes in the UK, Rayhaan couldn’t help but express his amazement at the size of the local houses during his drive as they travelled through a residential neighbourhood.
“F**k me are these not mansions?” Rayhaan said at the start of his viral TikTok video, as the camera pans over several grand detached properties boasting multiple storeys and integrated garages.
As they continue driving by the residential neighbourhood, he stated: “That’s a mansion in England. Then, oh, another mansion. You’re telling me these ain’t mansions?”
In disbelief, Rayhaan questions his partner behind the wheel, who quickly denied his statement that the homes were mansions, prompting him to say: “What do you mean no? Look at the state of these houses. You’re telling me they ain’t mansions? […] F**king hell. Mansion ones.”
** Caution: The accompanying video contains strong language. **
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As they continued to drive past through the neighbourhood, they continued to pass several similar houses that were all large detached homes with built in single or double garages, multiple storages, and included a large driveway and front gardens. Some homes also had porches that wrapped around the side of the home.
“This is a madness, I’m telling you, yeah. The houses here are insane,” Rayhaan said to his viewers. “I just can’t get over it. This is just f**ked, it’s just stupid. It’s absolutely stupid. What is going on bro?”.
“I don’t know why she’d come to England,” he said.
Viewers quickly chimed in with their thoughts, with many pointing out that these were not typical Canadian homes.
“I’m canadian, those…are NOT standard houses, those people are wealthy,” one viewer insisted, while another added: “Those are definitely NOT average middle class houses.
“They’re priced like mansions now so let’s just call them mansions and be done with it,” another commented wryly.
A British expat also weighed in, saying: “As a British man in Canada I can confirm this is true… but after living here for five years it’s sad to say that these are just average homes with million $ price tags which is ridiculous and what makes it worse is that these homes are made out of cardboard literally not even worth that much at max they should be $350 K..”
A fellow Briton remarked: “In South England they build a house like that, divide it into 4 terraced houses and sell them for 400k each.”
CHOCOLATE fans are dashing to Aldi as the budget supermarket unveils a £3.99 version of the viral ‘Dubai-style’ chocolate bar.
Now available in Aldi stores across the UK, the 100g bar promises a rich and indulgent experience—without the luxury price tag.
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The chocolate is part of Aldi’s Specialbuys range, meaning once it’s sold out, it may not returnCredit: Aldi
The treat features creamy pistachio layers and crunchy kadayif pastry, all wrapped in silky milk chocolate. Inspired by a viral hit that exploded on social media, the chocolate has already caused a stir online.
AldiUK teased the launch on Facebook, writing: “THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The Dubai Style Chocolate Bar lands in store tomorrow! Will you be picking one up.”
Fans flooded the comments with excitement. One wrote: “More temptation.”
Another added: “You knocked it out of the park with this. Absolutely amazing.”
A third asked: “Hey dear Aldi, are these a special or permanent fixture? Xx”
The chocolate is part of Aldi’s Specialbuys range, meaning once it’s sold out, it may not return.
With no buying limit, shoppers are expected to stock up quickly.
This isn’t the first time retailers have tried to cash in on the Dubai chocolate craze.
Lidl’s JD Gross version flew off the shelves, and Waitrose offers a similar pistachio white chocolate bar for £2.75. Morrisons stocks its own version—Bolci Dubai Chocolate—for £5.
The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as chocolate lovers continue to seek out these premium-style treats at lower prices.
If you’re keen to try one, it’s worth getting to your local Aldi early to avoid disappointment.
As word spreads, demand is expected to spike.
To get the best deal, savvy shoppers are encouraged to compare prices using online tools like PriceSpy, Google Shopping, or Idealo.
These platforms let you check price histories and spot deals across retailers.
SAVE MONEY AT ALDI
Grabbing hot Specialbuys like this chocolate bar is just one way to save at Aldi.
The discount chain frequently tops Which? rankings for the cheapest supermarket, offering consistent value for everyday essentials.
In April, a typical basket of 79 items cost an average of £135.95 at Aldi—cheaper than rivals including Lidl and Tesco.
Bargain hunters should also keep an eye out for Aldi’s red sticker items, usually marked down in the morning.
These offer major discounts on products close to their sell-by date or with minor packaging damage.
Aldi’s budget-friendly alcohol selection is another way to save, with own-brand options often coming in much cheaper than big-name labels.
Don’t forget about Too Good To Go “Surprise Bags”, available in selected stores.
These offer a low-cost mix of near-date groceries that would otherwise go to waste.
How to save money on chocolate
We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…
Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.
Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.
Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.
Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.
They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.
Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.
So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.
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The trend shows no signs of slowing down, as chocolate lovers continue to seek out these premium-style treats at lower pricesCredit: Alamy
A woman has shared a video of the things she found in a Spanish supermarket, and she was left gobsmacked by one thing in particular – and it’s something that’s very rare in the UK
She couldn’t believe her luck when she landed (Stock Image)(Image: Rockaa via Getty Images)
Sitting in the sun all day and then quenching your thirst with a chilled Fanta Lemon or sharing a packet of Lays is an elite feeling. However, if you’re landing in the early hours after a late-night flight, the panic might set in about whether you’ll be able to grab snacks and water before morning arrives. The last thing you want is a morning headache.
Fear not if Spain is your destination, as one lady has highlighted that certain supermarkets there keep their doors open until the early morning, which is quite rare back in the UK. Florence Grace highlighted her surprise in her video caption, “Still open at one am?! Spanish supermarkets are the best,” and showcased some tempting items she encountered during her visit.
She enthused over the “colour of this Sunny D,” and playfully remarked, “you’re not in Spain unless you get this,” while showing off a jar of Chovi Allioli.
Delving into further exclusive finds, Florence revealed some “biscuit chocolates” reminiscent of Maltesers and described an Oreo milkshake she tasted as “very sickly”.
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She also exposed the bargain finds, such as a “mini paella” for under three euros and even a full bottle of sangria for less than two euros.
Florence couldn’t help but giggle as she pointed out the possibility of buying a carton of wine for merely 99 cents, revealing that it contained a whole litre of booze.
Florence was all praises as she stood by the fresh orange juice machine in a Spanish shop, exclaiming, “This is the best thing about Spanish shops,” where customers can freshly squeeze their juice on the spot to ensure its freshness.
As she explored further, Florence marvelled at the frozen lemonades and gestured to a dessert, saying: “You can get a whole cake.”
She pointed out that there’s no need for an all-inclusive resort when you can easily grab these treats from local supermarkets.
“You can get a whole big bag of muffins,” she effused, while perusing the Milka chocolate and chorizo, which were on offer for a mere two euros.
“In Spain, you can get a tub of carrots and a tub of guacamole,” she clarified, showcasing the range of salad options ideal for a barbecue with loved ones.
She then scoped out the crisps aisle, drawing attention to “ketchup flavour” varieties before moving on to an ample bag of churros.
Highlighting the affordability of beverages, Florence noted, “I forget how cheap the alcohol is here,” as she compared the cost of a single can of San Miguel at 73 cents to bubble tea priced at four euros and 50 cents, a striking contrast for Brits.
“This protein coffee is 20g of protein and zero sugar. What is it made of then?” she pondered aloud. Wrapping up her video, she concluded with enthusiasm “they do the best sweets in Spain”.
Moreover, the convenience of late-night shopping means no cravings have to go unaddressed during your holiday.
The sun-soaked British Overseas Territory is a slice of the UK on the southern coast of Spain – and has been a popular holiday hotspot for Brits looking for a break closer to home
The Rock has red phone boxes, classic full English breakfasts, and a retro-style M&S(Image: Getty)
With its iconic red phone boxes, traditional full English breakfasts, and a vintage-style M&S, it’s like stepping into a 1970s British high street. But this isn’t a charming village in the English countryside – it’s Gibraltar.
Nestled on Spain’s southern coast, this British Overseas Territory offers all the home comforts of the UK, with just a few hints – such as scorching sunshine and a wandering monkey population – to remind visitors they’re over 1,000 miles from Blighty.
Gibraltar is home to familiar brands like Morrisons, Costa Coffee and Card Factory, while locals enjoy hearty roasts, afternoon tea and other British favourites, according to MailOnline.
Earlier this week, the UK reached a landmark agreement with the EU, securing a ‘fluid’ border with Spain – meaning travellers can cross the land border without checks, paving the way for a long-awaited post-Brexit deal.
However, those entering via land will enjoy seamless travel, anyone flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face two checks – one by local Gibraltarian authorities and a second by the Spanish acting on behalf of the EU, as the land border provides direct access to Europe’s Schengen area, reports the Express.
Despite the updated arrangement, the UK and Gibraltar have been quick to emphasise it does not affect the territory’s sovereignty. Locals still use the British pound and hold UK passports, even though they’re closer to Morocco than Manchester.
Perched on the southern coast of Spain, this British Overseas Territory boasts all the home comforts(Image: Getty)
Gibraltar could soon be a rising star in holiday destinations, with airlines considering new international routes to the British overseas territory. It promises visitors a unique blend of British charm and Mediterranean flair, as evidenced by countless TikTok expat and local creators.
Meg Leigh, a Yorkshire lass turned Gibraltarian, has been documenting her sun-kissed adventures on TikTok for four years, giving followers a peek into her idyllic life that includes seaside strolls and monkey meet-ups.
In a viral TikTok video, Meg reveals her love for her adopted home: “I wouldn’t move back to the UK. Four years on and I own my house, have a job for life and better quality of life. Three years later and as much as I miss my family & friends, I love my life in Gib,” while cautioning that Gibraltar can be “super expensive” and recommending job security before relocating.
Gibraltar has a a roaming monkey population(Image: Getty)
With Rightmove noting an average housing price at a steep £491,867 due to high demand and import costs, residents are feeling the financial impact, albeit tourists remain cushioned from this with no currency exchange worries and duty free shopping for luxuries like jewellery and perfume.
Another popular TikToker, Hannah (@lidbetterlidbetter) from the south of England, is racking up millions of views with snippets revealing her daily existence in this sunny sliver of Britain.
“It’s like the UK but actually in the sun,” she joked in one viral video, showcasing marching bands, traditional phone boxes, and familiar high street brands – not to mention sandy beaches, dolphin-watching excursions, and Gibraltar’s notorious monkeys.
“Welcome to living in the UK but in the sunshine,” she declared in another snippet.
She pointed out that while you’ll come across a McDonald’s, Burger King and Costa, the menus might vary – and that most locals are bilingual, blending English and Spanish in their daily chat.
“It’s small! But a real sense of community and excellent school and health systems,” she continued.
Perhaps the most peculiar feature?
The airport.
Hannah captured the moment cars paused to cross the runway, which oddly cuts through a main road. Traffic is stopped until planes have taken off or landed, before vehicles are given the green light to drive over.
“One of the craziest things about Gibraltar is probably the whole runway, airport scenario. It’s honestly so bizarre,” she remarked.
Angelenos love croissants. In recent years the obsession has reached a fever pitch, thanks to new bakeries that have followed in the footsteps of lauded croissant-makers like Proof Bakery and the erstwhile Konbi.
Trendy croissant hybrids have also helped fuel the pastry’s resurgence, including the Cronut, Cruffin and Crookie, as well as viral shapes like cubes and spirals. And while the classic French version has frequently been at the center of L.A.’s croissant craze, in 2025 local bakers are turning to global flavors — reinterpreting the flaky, buttery icon through the lens of their own heritage and childhood memories.
Pastry chef Sharon Wang, owner of Sugarbloom Bakery in Glassell Park, purposely sought to challenge her classic European training when creating her signature kimchi Spam musubi croissant. “The idea came from the diversity of L.A. and also a rebellion against working for an organization that favors only European ingredients,” she says.
In Victor Heights, Bakers Bench chef-owner Jennifer Yee uses the croissant to reinterpret a beloved generational recipe. “The egg roll croissant is something I’m really proud of,” she says. “My paternal parents owned a Chinese restaurant in Columbus, Ohio and they were known for their egg rolls,” says Yee. “It tastes very nostalgic if you grew up in the Midwest eating Chinese American food.”
And that’s just the beginning. In Silver Lake, you’ll find a Cuban bakery with Cubano sandwich-inspired croissants that pay homage to neighborhood history. In Pasadena, one baker is infusing her Persian heritage into a viral croissant shape. From Korean to Argentine-inspired creations, the croissant has become a new creative canvas among local pastry chefs. Here are eight bakeries with globally inspired croissants to try in L.A.
A US tourist who visited the UK has shared his thoughts on a popular city in the north and was left shocked by the whole experience, including how ‘chilled’ it was
13:42, 06 Jun 2025Updated 13:49, 06 Jun 2025
He was amazed by the city(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
An American bloke visiting Leeds couldn’t help but express his surprise at the city, quipping that “people up north are a different breed,” and he’s absolutely smitten with them. But what struck him as so remarkable about the city?TikToker @kjordyyy, self-dubbed “A Meer yank amongst Brits,” shared that he’s currently exploring Leeds.
“And this place has to be one of the most chillest places I’ve ever been to in the UK so far,” he enthused. Kjordy showcased the cityscape, remarking: “You can’t tell me this isn’t peaceful,” noting its serene vibe compared to other bustling metropolises. Then, he touched on the local twang, labelling it one of the most “unique accents” he’s encountered, adding: “It’s definitely northern”.
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Delving deeper into the dialect, he recounted: “I was talking to this guy, his name was Joe, he was like ‘my names J-err,’ like the o’s like err’s. It was interesting to say the least”.
Kjordy observed that “everyone’s just chilling, everyone’s relaxing, minding their own business. Not a care in the world bro”. He contrasted Leeds with London, relishing the laid-back aura of the northern hub.
He lauded the historic buildings and the quaint alleyways he meandered through.
“Kinda random, but I heard someone go up to another guy and say ‘giz a butty’. Apparently that’s local lingo here in Leeds for asking for a sandwich,” he clarified.
And he described the people of Leeds as “so kind,” because he was “up north,” and he even praised “how cheap it is” too, saying that he managed to get a pint of beer for £3.63. “£3 for a pint is insane,” he gushed.
Secret London reports that the average pint in the capital typically costs around £6.50, making Leeds a much more wallet-friendly option for a tipple.
Kjordy expressed his astonishment at finding a meal for just £8, which left him seriously impressed.
Wrapping up his video, Kjordy declared: “All in all, Leeds is a sick city, awesome people, good food and cool architecture. I give it a solid 8/10, and I’ll probably rank it UK’s fourth best city so far”.
In the comments section, one user enthused: “Leeds is an absolutely elite city and gets far too much hate”.
Another chimed in with a slightly different take: “It’s an elite city, good for shopping but there are lots of rude people in Leeds unfortunately which makes it bad vibes”.
Jumping to the city’s defence, someone retorted: “There’s rude people everywhere. Where have you been and there’s no rude people?”
A proud local exclaimed: “My beautiful glorious Leeds, I love you Yorkshire,” showcasing the strong affection residents have for their city.
One woman humorously shared her sense of pride: “The pride I get when I hear someone talking about Leeds, as though I’m the only person that’s ever been born here”.
A British man living in Benidorm has shared a viral TikTok video, explaining the three areas of the Spanish resort that tourists should avoid at all costs this summer
A British expat living in Benidorm has issued a warning to holidaymakers, urging them to steer clear of three specific areas when visiting the sun-soaked Spanish resort this summer.
Harry Poulton, who regularly offers travel advice and insights about the popular destination to his 40,000 TikTok followers, recently shared a video that has racked up 29,000 views and hundreds of likes. In it, he reveals the top three most perilous spots in the party city, cautioning tourists to give them a wide berth.
The 24-year-old begins by warning against what he calls the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ – a little public pathway that leads all the way up to the Rio Park.
“Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing,” Harry warns. While he assures viewers that it’s generally safe during daylight hours, he advises against traversing it after dark.
Are you a Benidorm expert? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected]
Harry has warned tourists of visiting certain places(Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky)
He listed his top three dangerous parts of the resort city(Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky)
“I have stayed at the Rio Park several times in the past. I would NOT recommend walking up the Yellow Brick Road late at night. Get a taxi. It’s not that expensive. Better to be safe than sorry,” a visitor to the area wrote on Tripadvisor.
Next on his list is Pueblo Alley, located behind the Hotel Pueblo. The Brighton-born content creator strongly advises against venturing into this area, especially late at night, due to the presence of pickpockets and occasional sex workers. He suggests finding alternative routes instead.
Topping Harry’s list of places to avoid is the infamously named Mugger’s Alley. He warns: “It is the most notorious – it’s the one we all know. It’s crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road.”
Known for its high incidence of pickpocketing and sex work, Harry strongly advises visitors to avoid this area altogether. The alley is located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white ‘SATE’ building, near Morgan Tavern.
“It’s safe enough in the day but late at night you’ll likely get approached by ‘hugger muggers’ (individuals who’ll invade your space pretending to know you whilst swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers,” writes Michelle Baker, who runs the Benidorm Forever Facebook page.
“Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in FRONT of the SATE building, not behind it. Remember, MOST crimes in Benidorm are non-violent, it’s your phone and cash they’re after, so keep both out of sight and if you do get robbed, you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report.”
Often groups of women will approach men walking by themselves before attempting to give them a hug.
A Brit who has lived in Benidorm for decades told The Spanish Eye: “This has been going on for a long time, it’s outside the Magic Villa de Benidorm and right next to the local tourist police station, which is closed in the evening.”
A British tourist who reserved sunbeds on holiday before heading off for breakfast has hit out at critics who call her ‘selfish’, as she claims there’s nothing wrong with it
The debate over whether it’s socially acceptable to put your towel down on a sunbed before you’re ready to use it has been ongoing for years. Every summer, videos are shared on social media of tourists racing down to their hotel swimming pool to dump towels and bags on sunbeds at the crack of dawn.
Many of these holidaymakers then leave the pool to go back to bed, have breakfast, or even do some sightseeing, but staking their claim on a sunbed means no one else can use it. However, one British tourist has defended this practice, insisting it’s not “selfish” to reserve a spot by the pool.
Rachel McGuigan and her husband, David, were on holiday in Turkey when they decided to put towels down on a couple of poolside beds to reserve them while they went off and had breakfast in their hotel.
The woman, from York, posted a video of her holiday on TikTok and was baffled by the backlash she got for showing herself reserving the sunbeds.
One person had commented on her video: “Just throw the towels in the pool. It’s not allowed to do this in most hotels and resorts.” And another had written: “I just remove them if they’re full. I don’t care, and the hotel doesn’t care.”
Rachel McGuigan and her husband David reserved sunbeds before going for breakfast(Image: Jam Press)
Rachel, who was holidaying at a resort in Fethiye, west of Antalya, said: “I just thought it was crazy that people were so upset about leaving a towel for half an hour to go for breakfast. They accused me of being selfish and all sorts.”
To try to make light of the situation, Rachel then uploaded a second video that appeared to show her leaving towels on a sunbed at 5.30am before going on a series of excursions that lasted until bedtime.
The video was a joke, and Rachel didn’t really reserve a sunbed all day without using it. However, it highlighted exactly how divisive this topic is, as her comments were flooded with people who believed she really had kept others from using the beds.
One person wrote: “So you reserved the beds and didn’t use them, but wouldn’t let anyone else use them? Have you ever thought that you may be the problem?”
Another added: “You go on holiday for a rest, but end up getting up early like you do at home, just to put towels out. Hotels are not for me, that’s why I Airbnb. Not having a go, just saying.”
However, Rachel has insisted that people are taking her videos too literally. She said the resort wasn’t full when they visited, so they were never taking sunbeds from other people who wanted them.
She said: “After the first time, I thought it would be funny to play up to it. It was a joke and I didn’t expect anyone to take it seriously, but I ended up opening a can of worms about sunbed reservations!
“We went to The Residence in Fethiye for two weeks in May for the second year running. There wasn’t a lack of sunbeds, so putting our towels down before going for breakfast wasn’t an issue for anyone. I was surprised with everyone commenting about it.”
The woman also admitted that it can be “annoying” when some tourists leave their towels on sunbeds for “hours on end”. However, she noted she doesn’t think it’s a problem when it’s “only for half an hour”.
A new TikTok travel hack has seen holidaymakers being refused onboard their flight, and it’s all to do with how they’re packing their luggage
The packing hack can spectacularly backfire [stock image](Image: Getty Images)
When it comes to jet-setting, there are specific rules and regulations we must adhere to at the airport, particularly regarding what you can pack and how much is permitted in the UK. However, a recent TikTok trend has resulted in travellers being denied boarding.
The ‘travel packing’ trend has seen a whopping 402 per cent increase in Google searches over the past month alone. Travel packing involves holidaymakers seeking innovative ways to maximise their luggage space – a necessity as budget airlines continue to tighten their baggage allowances. Nonetheless, holiday provider Travel Republic has unveiled some top travel hacks that won’t land you in hot water at the airport this summer.
So, what’s this TikTok travel hack all about? In 2023, the ‘pillow hack’ was making waves on social media, reports the Express. This crafty trick involved passengers stuffing an empty pillowcase or neck pillow with extra clothes to dodge paying for an additional bag for clothing.
TikToker, @natashaorganic, recently posted a video showing the hack spectacularly backfiring, which has amassed 2.8 million views and nearly 300,000 likes.
The footage depicts a passenger looking rather disgruntled after staff at Orlando International Airport informed them they needed to pay for extra baggage for their pillowcase full of clothes.
This resulted in a dispute with the airport staff, and as the passenger failed to comply with their request, they were subsequently denied boarding and escorted from the gate by airport police.
No traveller would want to invest all that time, money, and effort only to be informed that they cannot board their flight.
Kate Staniforth, head of marketing at Travel Republic, commented: “Whilst many TikTok users have claimed this hack works, unfortunately, this is not always the case and you can be caught out.
“It’s down to the discretion of the airline staff, meaning you could be left with a choice between paying for additional luggage or leaving your items behind.
“You don’t want to risk the enjoyment of going on holiday and having to either leave your possessions or pay for additional luggage at the airport as it is nearly always cheaper to pay for baggage in advance.”
AI cryptocurrencies are gaining steam this month, but experts point to MIND of Pepe ($MIND) for the biggest gains.
It’s generating massive attention because it taps into two of the hottest market narratives: Pepe and AI.
The project is currently running a presale, which has raised over $11 million so far. This gives investors an opportunity to buy from the ground floor, but it’ll end soon.
Per a recent social media post, the $MIND presale will end in just 1 day. $MIND will list on decentralized exchanges on 3 June at 2PM UTC.
With a strong use case, rising presale momentum, and the exchange launch nearing, it appears that everything is in place for $MIND to explode in the weeks ahead. But what’s the project all about? Let’s take a deeper look.
AI cryptos explode – powerful analytics app MIND of Pepe is next?
The crypto market has taken a light dip today, but AI cryptocurrencies are still well ahead. Leading the top gainers is DeXe with a 12% daily gain. This project enables developers to build advanced DAO ecosystems, with a main focus on governing community-owned AI agents.
Meanwhile, Virtuals Protocol has soared by 71% this month, while AI agent aixbt has gained 42%.
But it’s not just crypto based AI outfits that are making moves. The poster child of AI technology, Nvidia, made headlines this week for beating analysts earnings expectations with a whopping $44.1 billion in sales for Q1 of 2025.
Demand for AI is the highest it’s ever been – and MIND of Pepe is bringing the technology to the meme coin world. Packaged behind Pepe-themed branding, MIND of Pepe is building an AI agent that will identify trading opportunities for its community.
The agent has a public X account where it will round up crypto news, aggregate market data, and even respond to its audience’s replies. But that’s only the start.
It has one core goal: turn followers into loyal holders. The X account isn’t where you’ll find the most powerful data; the MIND of Pepe terminal is – and you must hold $MIND to get access.
The terminal will offer trading signals, deep technical analysis, risk-to-reward ratio analysis, and curated X posts. It’s a lucrative market edge for those who have access.
The agent can even launch its own cryptos based on market data and emerging trends; and $MIND holders get insider information before it posts about them on its public X account.
Users can also earn rewards through the project’s staking mechanism, which is live during the presale and currently offers a 210% APY. However, this will decrease as the staking pool grows.
In short, those seeking to maximize their gains must hold $MIND – and that translates to potential for serious token demand.
$MIND could surge as Trump posts Pepe meme
Just as Elon Musk announced his exit from the Department of Government Efficiency, (D.O.G.E), Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through meme coin circles by posting a Pepe meme on his social media platform Truth Social this week.
Could it be that Trump is considering a landmark Pepe buy? It wouldn’t be out of character. He launched his own meme coin $TRUMP in March, and Trump-backed World Liberty Financial just invested in BUILDon meme coin this week.
But either way, Trump’s Pepe meme has come at just the right time, with MIND of Pepe only days away from launching on exchanges. Leading media outlets are writing about Pepe right now, and that’s attracting new eyeballs to Pepe coin.
Yet with a lower valuation and market-beating utility, MIND of Pepe could prove the biggest beneficiary from Trump’s latest stunt.
Although it hasn’t been listed on exchanges yet, experts are already talking about huge gains. For example, an analyst from Cryptonews just made a jaw-dropping 500x prediction.
And remember, price appreciation isn’t the only way to earn from $MIND. There’s also massive staking rewards and trading opportunities.
It’s rare for a project with this much potential to be available so early in its life cycle.
Just 1 day until $MIND exchange listing
With over $11 million raised and experts making exciting predictions, it’s clear that all eyes are on MIND of Pepe right now – and that signals that big gains could be on the horizon.
However, with just one day left until the presale ends, those who have yet to buy must act quickly.
Follow MIND of Pepe on X or join its Telegram for updates. Alternatively, visit its website to buy and stake tokens.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.
A woman and property expert recently shared her experience after visiting a McDonald’s eatery in Monaco – and was surprised by how different it is compared to the UK
17:41, 27 May 2025Updated 17:41, 27 May 2025
McDonald’s in Monaco left a Brit floored recently (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A woman from Yorkshire has given us a glimpse into what it is like to visit McDonald’s in one of the world’s poshest countries – and how the menu differs. When we jet off abroad, most of us are keen to sample the local grub and steer clear of eateries we can easily find back home, but it is always intriguing to see how our favourite big brands adapt their menus to cater to local tastes and traditions. Monaco is synonymous with luxury – think swanky restaurants, the Grand Prix, yachts and being the priciest city globally for property. Despite the lack of fast food giants in the country, there are two McDonald’s outlets – one in Monte-Carlo and the other in Monaco-Ville.
Property guru and entrepreneur, Abi Hookway, enjoys giving her Instagram followers a peek into how the other half live and sharing money-saving tips on her page @abi_hookway, where she has an impressive following of 475,000. Recently, she took us inside the McDonald’s in Monaco-Ville.
As she walked in, she remarked: “This looks like we could be in the UK,” but she quickly spotted some notable differences on the menu.
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Abi was taken aback as she explored the fast food joint and noticed a bakery cabinet at the front of the counter, brimming with mouth-watering baked treats like donuts, cheesecake, muffins, cookies and macarons.
“My McDonald’s in Yorkshire doesn’t have this does it, wow,” Abi exclaimed. She was chuffed with the meal deal offering three burgers, chips and a drink for just six euros, but felt the rest of the menu didn’t live up to her high expectations.
“I was expecting like millionaire, gold…it’s letting me down a bit,” she reflected. Nonetheless, she was over the moon with being able to order macarons in a branded box, an iced coffee with a dollop of cream which arrived in a recyclable plastic cup and cherished being able to sit outdoors courtesy of the substantial seating area.
Upon sampling the potato wedges, Abi declared: “We need to have these in the UK.”
Intrigued by Abi’s video, one viewer pointed out: “Also the same food in Portugal with the dessert cabinets.”
Echoing the sentiment, someone else posted: “They have these desert cabinets all over Germany McCafé.”
Another person commented, expressing their affinity for the crockery: “I love the cups and bowls. Would be great to reuse at home. I wish the UK had the same.”
There exists a smattering of unique McDonald’s locations around the globe, with the “most beautiful” one sitting pretty in Rome, Italy.
Just minutes away from the iconic Spanish Steps, this particular McDonald’s greets visitors with what appears to be a sculpture of Venus herself.
Furthermore, New Zealand’s got a McDonald’s that serves up its food from a retired airliner, while, in Germany, you can even grab a McDonald’s meal from a floating restaurant.
WITH reformer pilates machines costing around £1,800, it is no wonder that shoppers have raced to buy Aldi’s £149.99 version this weekend.
However, shoppers have been left outraged after spotting that some people had snapped up the devices only to list them for £500 on eBay when they got home.
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Aldi’s reformer pilates machine arrived in supermarkets yesterday and will set you back £149 – which is £1,750 cheaper than the original machineCredit: Supplied
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People spotted Aldi’s machine being sold for £400 on Vinted and £500 on eBayCredit: Tiktok/Aldi shoppers left fuming
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Aldi shopper Kasey was ecstatic to snap up Aldi’s new reformer pilates machine – but wasn’t one of the resellersCredit: Tiktok/@kaseyclarke0
TikTok user Anna screenshotted her Vinted page which had numerous machines being sold for over twice the price.
On her @annaleonora26 account, the upset Aldi shopper said: “Resellers are jerks.”
Many people agreed with her, with one person saying: “I saw this too, some are on eBay at almost £500.”
A second wrote: “I missed out this morning by a couple of minutes and it’s so disappointing to see resellers trying to make a quick profit.”
A third commented: “Was the same with the 5 in 1 styler a few weeks ago- They were putting them on at more than double.”
Aldi’s purse-friendly machine arrived in stores on Sunday for £149.99, and we shared how shopper Kasey Clarke was among lucky Aldi fans who have managed to get their hands on one of the coveted machines after it arrived in stores today.
Taking to her @kaseyclarke0 account, she said: “POV you won the Aldi war and got a pilates reformer.
“Happy Aldi reformer day to those who care.”
The easy-to-assemble machine is £1,750 less than the Original Fold Reformer, which will set you back £1,899.99.
The machine features adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bands and adjustable height settings.
How to do reformer Pilates at home with just two flannels and a rolling pin
It has a smooth gliding functionality, and has transport wheels for easy movement, and foldable storage capabilities.
If that wasn’t enough for your fitness journey, Aldi is also selling lots of gym accessories to go with it.
Also up for grabs is a pilates pad, a three piece pilates ball set, a pilates ring, and rotation ring,
Each of the products are just £5.99 each, and will help with strength, balance, conditioning and coordination.
For additional strength training, Aldi’s adjustable step deck (£12.99) allows fitness gurus to add in cardio with ease, and even includes resistance handles and a balance board for a full-body workout.
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The machine features adaptable resistance levels with five resistance bandsCredit: Supplied
As with all Aldi Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone, so head to stores quickly if you want to grab them.
Reformer pilates has become a viral hit online in recent years with over 2.8 million posts being made about it on TikTok.
While it is proven to be an effective workout, it can be costly.
Prices for just one class start at £37 – not something we can afford to do multiple times a week.
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The budget retailer is also selling a step deck for cardio loversCredit: Supplied
Aldi bosses say: “Whether looking to strengthen cores, improve flexibility, or tone muscles, the machine is designed to help anyone achieve their fitness goals.
“Complete with an introductory exercise chart, it’s a must-have addition to any home gym.”
For those tech savvy trainers, a smart watch is also available for £11.99 to track your progress.
When you are done with your workout, cool down with the foldable fitness mat for just £19.99.
To make sure you get all knots out, use the massage roller for £3.99.
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you?
As a PT and fitness journalist, I’ve tried everything.
I’ve taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.
Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!
The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.
Dragging a suitcase across various different countries and airports can lead to a dirty build-up on the wheels, but one ex-cabin crew member thinks they’ve found the solution
Holidaymakers advised to use this simple hack to keep their suitcases clean(Image: Getty Images)
There’s nothing more satisfying than opening up an empty case on your bed and starting to fill it with holiday clothes each summer.
But before you haul your wheelie case out of the loft, have you stopped to think how dirty the wheels are? This is especially important if you still own luggage that has been to various countries with you and is looking a little worse for wear.
One flight attendant believes she has found the answer to the issue, with a simple, low-cost, hack to stop you from bringing dirt from the airport and overseas back into your home. It costs under £5 and comes in a roll – that’s right, it’s black electric tape.
It’s often used to insulate electrical wires in homes, along with marking and protecting them. So there’s a chance if you are in the trade, or not, that you may have a roll of this handy stuff in a drawer.
Adding electrical tape to the wheels of your suitcase will also avoid the annoying squeaky noise (Image: Getty)
Shared by TikTok user SANA Motherhood, the 14-second video shows her putting black tape around the wheel. She captioned: “Tired of your suitcase wheels dragging airport dirt into your home? This one simple thing will change everything after your trip.”
Accumulating more than 9.6 million views and 172.4k likes, the comment section was flooded with reactions from other users who had never thought such a simple hack would be so useful, especially when we tend to put suitcases on top of the bed. However, others didn’t see the point of it.
One said: “Smart hack for luggage,” with a second one explaining: “For those who don’t know, it helps protect your bag tyres from puncture, hence saving you the cost of replacing new bag tires, including wheel alignment every now and then.”
A third one commented: “Is it not easier to give the wheels a quick disinfecting wipe than to have to put tape on and then peel the dirty tape off with your fingers?”
A former flight attendant joked: “Former flight attendant here, do not do this unless you want to collect hair from around the world.”
By applying this simple hack, travellers can rest assured that the wheels of their suitcase remain clean after every trip and ready for the next holiday. Even better, the travel journey will become stress-free without the inconvenience of hearing the squeaky noise of the worn-out wheels.
Additionally, this hack is very simple, and it doesn’t require any special tools or expertise. It’s ideal for last-minute travellers who want to protect their luggage, also adding an extra layer of protection against wheel damage, extending the usage of your suitcase for longer. You can find black electrical tape in any UK supermarket, Amazon, or specialised store selling trade tools.
TikTok sensation Katie Kennedy – aka The History Gossip – is bringing history to life in her new Sky TV show History Crush after going viral with her bawdy social media videos
Queen Elizabeth I was “fuggers”, Henry VIII “clapped” and it’s debatable whether Anne Of Cleeves was a “minger”.
Katie Kennedy, better known as The History Gossip, uses this colourful language to bring alive famous historical characters in her bawdy social media posts, which have earned millions of likes on TikTok. Most people take years to get noticed, but Katie became famous practically overnight.
One minute she was writing her 12,000-word dissertation on Women in Pompeii in her final year at Durham University, the next she’d posted a few quirky history videos on TikTok and gone viral.
Like most students, she’d happily wile away hours of study time on social media, but for Katie, it led to greater things. “I was on TikTok all the time anyway, so I posted some stuff about the Tudors and I got a couple of thousand followers Then I did a video with the caption – why were the Tudes clapped?” she says.
Seeing my blank expression, she translates: “Why were they really ugly? That did really well. It got onto this really big meme page called Great British Memes and they’ve got loads of followers. People were screenshotting it and asking, ‘Is that you?”
Earthy and funny, Katie’s history videos are the right side of sweary, with a sprinkling of Gen Z language. “Some of the slang that I’ve picked up through the years was originally just to get around TikTok guidelines,” she explains.
The young Henry might have been worth a flng, but Katie says the older king was definitely ‘clapped’(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Half a million followers later, Katie got a book deal and published The History Gossip – Was Anne Of Cleeves A Minger? And she will now be appearing on our screens on Sky TV’s History Crush, where she’ll be rummaging through the underwear drawers of historical figures like Lord Byron, Charles Dickens or Marie-Antoinette – and asking the big questions like was Henry VIII clapped? “Yes he was,” she giggles. And was Lord Byron a crush or a burn? “Definitely a crush.”
The speed at which Katie got a book deal will have many seasoned writers gnashing at the bit. “I had a message from my now agent in February last year when things were going off,” she says. “And she was like, ‘Have you ever thought about writing a book?’ And I thought, ‘Yeah maybe in the future.’ But as soon as I handed in my dissertation, I started writing it and finished it during Freshers Week at Oxford – when I was hungover!
“We got it out for November for Christmas, because it was more of a gifty book. It’s still really weird seeing it in the book shops.”
When we meet outside on a sunny afternoon in pretty Vaults and Gardens Cafe by Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, where 25-year-old Katie’s now studying for her masters, I have to ask, “Was Anne of Cleeves a minger?”
A diet of sugar left the Virgin Queen with ‘fuggers’ teeth and awful breath, says Katie Kennedy(Image: UIG via Getty Images)
“Well I don’t think so,” she replies. “Henry VIII gave her a castle and they had a brother and sister type of relationship. Of all his wives, she came out of it quite well. She wasn’t really minging, like her portraits said, but she was ‘mid’.”
What about Elizabeth 1? “Her teeth were fuggers because she ate so much sugar,” says Katie. “And it’s so funny that even when she looks a bit minging in her portrait, that’s probably her best photoshopped version.”
Katie has just returned from a holiday abroad, but her skin remains the colour of porcelain. “I don’t like to sit in the sun because I get scared of getting sunburned,” she says in her sing-song Geordie accent.
“I’ve lived in Durham my whole life. I grew up there, went to a local comprehensive school, did sixth form. And then a journalism apprenticeship with BBC,” she says.
This explains why Katie’s so good at finding a hook in a story – and she has a journalism certificate to prove it. “In my posts, I have to get a three second intro to get people interested – that takes a lot of research,” she explains. “I don’t really script them though, I just press record!”
The History Gossip says Anne of Cleeves was nowhere near as ‘minging’ in real life as her portrait(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The secret of Katie’s success is clearly an authentic voice on the platform, which is backed up by years of hard academic study.
“I did journalism for two years, but I felt like I’d missed out on university, so I applied to Durham to do Ancient History and Archeology – and got in!” she says.
While she seems surprised by her ‘luck,’ it strikes me that both Durham and Oxford are lucky to have someone with such a knack for bringing history to life.
Although she has a bit of imposter syndrome, the university social life has made up for it. “I loved being at Durham – all the traditions and stuff and that’s partly why I wanted to come to Oxford,” she admits. “It’s fun and you don’t get that in every university.”
A quick peek at her socials and you can see Katie has settled in well since arriving last September. She laughs: “Yeah the balls are so nice. I love wearing the gowns. I went to a Balioll College ball last week. I can’t lie – the balls here are better than Durham!”
Katie’s first taste of history came when her parents dragged her around National Trust properties every Sunday. “I remember when I was seven being like, I don’t want to go to Wellington and Cragside, I just want to sit on my little Nintendo,’” she admits.
In her new show, Katie reckons poet Byron was definitely a ‘crush’ rather than a ‘burn’(Image: Getty Images)
But the experience left an impression, because she fell in love with immersive history – even becoming part of a Beamish Living Museum of the North exhibit.
“It’s just down the road from where I liv,e so I did work experience there twice,” she recalls. “Once dressed up as a Victorian school child and then as a Second World War evacuée and I had my little cardboard gas mask box.
“Did you know during rationing, instead of ice lollies little kids would have frozen carrots?”
Inspired by TV historians such as Lucy Worsley and Ruth Goodman, Katie admits that Horrible Histories – which has probably done more to make history popular than all the dusty old academic institutions put together – inspired her.
“Horrible Histories doesn’t make you feel like you’re learning. The author of the books, Terry Deary, is from Sunderland, which is not far from where I’m from,” she adds proudly.
“I used to love Ruth when she would do Victorian Farm on TV and she would be like, ‘I’m going to make bread from scratch.’ She doesn’t make you feel you’re being lectured to – she’s living history and talking about normal people, who I think get overlooked sometimes.
“It definitely sparked the way I like to present history in a fun, doesn’t-feel-like-you’re-learning type of way.”
‘Misunderstood’ Marie Antoinette loved her gowns and employed a full-time hot chocolate maker(Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
I do wonder what Katie’s more traditional tutors think of her style of bringing history to the masses. “When I first started on TikTok, I blocked everyone at Durham and friends and family, because I was embarrassed about posting a video that might get three views,” she reveals. “It was only later when I did a series on the Victorians, that I stopped caring what people thought.
“My supervisor at Oxford’s really supportive. I told him it’s like Horrible History but for adults, and he thinks it’s great that I’m making history more accessible.”
Social media burn out is real for influencers. I ask how she’s managing her time with so much on her plate. “My masters is on British and European 18th-century history, and I’m doing my dissertation on the fan-making industry and how women used fans. But I’ve gone part-time now, so I’ve got another year to get my arse in gear and sort it”: she says.
“I used to post every single day on TikTok, but I’ve learned to take a step back from it and know that if I don’t post today, it’s not like the end of everything.”
And history clearly attracts a decent social media crowd. “I just get Americans not being able to understand my accent, or they’re like ‘what’s a minger?’” she laughs.
In Durham she lives with her mum, dad and brother, who’s just started studying politics at university. “He was debating history or politics, but he likes arguments, so it’s politics,” she says.
Katie and her new book The History Gossip – Was Anne of Cleeves A Minger?(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
While she’s keen to ask if historical figures are worth dating, she sidesteps when asked if she’s single. “Depends on who’s asking?” she smiles.
But she gushes when talking about one of her great loves back in Durham. “We’ve just got a King Charles Spaniel puppy called Millie – I love to sit and cuddle her in the garden,” she says. “I miss her so much when I’m not there.”
Devoting a lot of time to studying women in history Katie continues: “I especially like the Brontes and also Mary Antoinette, because I feel like she was very misunderstood.”
The arts have been losing out in the push for more maths and engineering, but Katie is making history cool again and reminds us the importance of knowing about our past.
“History keeps repeating itself,” she says. “People aren’t so different to us today. The Tudors put belladonna in their eyes to make them sparkle. Victorian women would eat arsenic wafers to give their skin a pale complexion and wore dresses dyed with a green pigment made from arsenic. Women died wearing them.”
So, forget Brazilian butt lifts, or excessive tanning – when it comes to dying for beauty, the Tudors and Victorians got there first.
• HISTORY CRUSH, presented by Katie Kennedy (aka History Gossip), will be available on Sky HISTORY on demand via Sky and Virgin Media from May 29. More at www.history.co.uk/shows/history-crush #HISTORYCRUSH @HISTORYUK
