Aldi shoppers will be able to kill two birds with one stone thanks to a new feature that’ll soon be available across the majority of UK locations.

After a successful trial last year, the supermarket launched InPost lockers outside over 500 of its stores — and they’re now being rolled out in around 100 more by the end of 2025.

These 24/7 lockers allow customers to collect and return orders from other places, so as well as grabbing your groceries, you can drop off that ASOS dress that didn’t fit, or pick up that Zara blazer you’ve been dying to try. 

Simply check if InPost – which works with 200 popular brands including Vinted, Glossybox, Nasty Gal, and Barbour – has a free locker near you and you’ll get a QR code to open it up and either pick your parcel up or drop it off.

The collaboration has proven a big hit so far, with X user @LivBridge commenting: ‘Aldi always coming through with the top tier ideas.’

‘Nothing like a bit of convenience,’ added @eyup_io, while @MatthewBro59408 called it ‘a smart move’ and hailed the discount retailer for ‘adapting to consumer demand.’

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: ‘Convenience and efficiency is important to our shoppers, which is why we’re continuing to roll out InPost lockers to as many of our stores as possible.

‘It has always been our aim to save our customers time as well as money, so making it easy for people to pick up or return parcels while getting the weekly shop done has been really valuable.’

Neil Kuschel, CEO at InPost UK, added: ‘Our growing partnership with Aldi reflects a shared commitment to offer the best everyday shopping experience for customers across the UK.

‘Together, we’re helping to create a more convenient, cost-effective and sustainable way for shoppers to manage their parcels, making collection and returns as easy and accessible as possible.’

This change comes as Aldi recently took back its crown of the UK’s cheapest supermarket, a month after being knocked off top spot by Lidl.

Prior to this, Aldi was the reigning champion for almost two years, before a basket of 75 everyday items at its German rival came in 85p cheaper for July.

Now however, the retailer regained its status, after Which? research saw it beating the competitor by 43p overall. Meanwhile, Waitrose was the most expensive, totalling £172.61 on average — a difference of £44.69 compared to the winner’s basket price.

‘Aldi is back on form as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in August, according to our latest price analysis, showing that it continues to represent great value without the need for membership prices,’ commented Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor.

‘As the nights draw in and the weather gets cooler, rising costs will no doubt be a big worry for many households. The good news is that there are savings to be had for those who can shop around, simply choosing one supermarket over another could save you 35%.’

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The Mini Labubu has entered the chat, and we know it’ll be viral. 

It’s believed Olivia Attwood sent the world into an absolute frenzy when she started accessorising her Birkin bags with Labubu dolls. The mischievous-looking dolls, which have been likened to the multi-coloured haired trolls from the nineties, have sold out on numerous occasions, even stores were lined with endless queues of fans desperately waiting to get their hands on the plush toy. 

AliExpress recently launched a sale on the sell-out accessories, and now the international online retailer, which stocks a plethora of brands, has launched the new mini Labubu dolls this week through its Pop Mart shop. 

On Friday August 29 AliExpress launched the Mini Labubu dolls, and of course the miniature dolls are housed in the iconic blind box just to add an extra element of surprise. 

The Mini Labubu is smaller in size compared to the original Labubu, though that’s unsurprising considering the name. The regular Labubu measures 6.69 inches in height, while the miniature alternative is 4.13 inches. The regular Labubu is often used as a bag charm or added to a keychain, and you can style the Mini Labubu the same way, though it can also be worn as a phone charm because of its size.

The Mini Labubu, which is also known as The Monsters Pin For Love Series, is divided into two series based on alphabetical order, A-M and N-Z. In each Mini Labubu series there are 14 regular versions and one hidden version. Bets are on for how much shoppers will want the latter, and apparently the odds are 1:168 chances. 

This collaboration between the Pop Mart store on AliExpress is one of many, and hopefully many more to come, following the debut partnership between the store and online marketplace back in 2020. 

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that Labubus are all anyone can talk about, and shop. But, just to hone the point further, AliExpress has seen a 300% year on year growth in the collectible toy category since the beginning of 2025, which is just nine months. 

We predict this boom will not be slowing down any time soon, so there is no time like the present to shop your Labubu dolls and the Mini Labubu to cuddle up alongside one another on the arm of your bag. 

In fact, we have it on good authority that the Pop Mart store front on AliExpress will see the release of The Monsters Big into Energy Series – Rock the Universe Vinyl Push Doll in the future. However, the exact date remains top secret. 

It goes without saying the Mini Labubu dolls are set to be equally popular, if not more than the regular iteration. So you will want to shop for them quickly before they sell out, and we have a strong suspicion they will.  

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I was despondent when I read the news last month that the price of the weight loss drug, Mounjaro, could be increased by as much as 170%.

Explaining the decision behind the hike, Eli Lilly – the company behind the drug – said the move was necessary to be more in line with prices in the US or the rest of Europe. It would come into effect from September 1.

As a Mounjaro user – who used to pay £99 but will now have to pay almost £200 more – I’m calling for this decision to be immediately reversed so that the drug is financially accessible to those of us who have chosen to use it to improve our health.

In recent years, I’ve battled with my weight and health due to multiple orthopaedic surgeries, confining me to a wheelchair. My mobility will never be perfect and I was told that if I needed more surgery, I’d need to lose weight first.

So I had previously tried to access weight loss support via the NHS, but my options were limited. I wasn’t overweight enough for bariatric surgery and I’d had a bad experience with Orlistat, which reduces fat absorption from food.

So when I first heard about weight loss injectable medications in December last year, this seemed like an answer.

I ended up going down the rabbit hole of researching the different brands: Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. And the results were staggering.

There was Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rebel Wilson. Even some of my closest friends had been using it and it had really helped them.

I only wanted the best, but the steep price tag of up to £204 for the higher doses of Mounjaro put me off.

Then I started seeing ads for a study, which was designed to explore the impacts of these weight loss injectable medications on women’s health. As someone who has faced health inequalities because of my gender, I wanted to be a part of that.

It offered a complimentary side-effect pack and there was a Facebook group of other study participants that you could join for peer support, but the best part was the subsidised price – just £99.

The process was simple: complete a form, take the blood test, and await approval. It was a matter of days after that my first prescription was issued – I took my first dose around the second week in January.

The first week wasn’t pleasant. I struggled with maintaining hydration, as well as side effects including constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, and heartburn. Thankfully the side effects pack helped.

I had to gradually increase my dosage for the medication to continue to be effective, so the side effects would flare up again.

But the positive effects have been brilliant. On top of shedding 66lbs (4 stone 12 lbs), I’m more confident, happy, mobile, and I’ve even seen positive changes in menstrual cycle regulation!

For the first time in a decade, I genuinely feel well. Then came the news last month of the price hike and my mood came crashing down.

Everyone I knew on the drug was panicking. We had signed up for a locked-in discounted price on a 12-month clinical study – at £99 per month. Surely the prices would remain locked?

A few days later, an email from the company running the study pinged in my inbox. It read: ‘After tirelessly exhausting all possible avenues, Eli Lilly has refused to work with providers… and is forcing an immediate increase in Mounjaro’s price.’

The email went on to say that we could stay on Mounjaro, but it would be £279 to £319 a month, depending on our dose. Or we could switch to a rival brand, Wegovy, at the locked-in price.

The problem is: I have minimal information on what switching to Wegovy will mean for me medically. As it currently stands, I am 18lbs away from my target weight; the end is in sight.

I’ve only just stopped having side effects and I don’t like the idea of switching drugs in case they come back. So I’ve made a decision: I’m staying on Mounjaro for now, costing £279 a month.

I hope once I get to my target – which will likely be late October – I will be able to move to Wegovy for the maintenance phase, which is where my dose will be adjusted to maintain my progress rather than lose more, until I taper off.

So that’s two months where I’ll be paying £279 instead of £99. That means it’s an extra £360 in total.

I’m already paying £220 a month for my ADHD medication because I was diagnosed through a private provider. And as a working parent with bills to pay, I don’t have money to burn, so I’m feeling lost, unsettled, and despondent.

In the short term, I’ll be putting the additional costs on my credit card, but as a self-employed person with ADHD who finds money management challenging, I’m reviewing my finances to make sure this is sustainable.

I’m gratefully self-employed supporting business owners with Autism and ADHD to run their own businesses, and so I have control over what I’m paid, and if there is scope to increase my withdrawals from my businesses, I will cover the gap with that.

My main concern is that finances will force many people’s decisions. I’ve seen so many people leaving the study, or switching to Wegovy reluctantly, out of fear of losing progress.

Health – and the medications we need to be healthy, whatever that looks like for us individually – should not be seen or priced as a luxury. I’m disappointed that Eli Lilly made this decision.

Estimates suggest that up to 750,000 people in the UK are taking Mounjaro, and while I cannot speak for all of them, I know many of us feel lost and uncertain about our futures as a direct result of this price hike.

It is my hope that in the coming days or weeks, changes will be made to make the medicine once again more financially accessible to those who need it. If not, I dread to think what will happen.

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

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Topshop made its long anticipated comeback to the high street after a decade just last month. 

While our beloved high street fashion retailer has been available to shop online at ASOS it hasn’t quite been the same (hate to say it), so we were thrilled to hear it has made its return with its very own website once again. Just in case, these are the Topshop staples we are buying now.  

But the fun doesn’t stop there as Topshop has also launched in Liberty as well as John Lewis. Has Christmas come early? We feel like it with all our fashion prayers answered in one. 

From February 2026, Topshop will be launching in 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, and of course numerous London branches too. Expect to find Topshop concessions in John Lewis in Brent Cross, Stratford, Canary Wharf, Oxford Street, Peter Jones, White City and Kingston – to name a few. 

While Topshop expands its retail footprint, so does the male section, otherwise known as Topman. Topman is set to launch in six John Lewis stores. 

Topshop will curate a selection of the most-loved pieces, cult denim, as well as trend-led wardrobe heroes and statement jackets in the select John Lewis stores. While Topman will focus on an edit of tailored outerwear and everyday basics.

Speaking about the exciting new chapter for Topshop, and its collaboration with John Lewis, Michelle Wilson, the Managing Director at Topshop, shared: “We’re excited to partner with John Lewis, a trusted name in British retail, to bring Topshop and Topman to high streets across the country. This partnership is a key step in our mission to bring the best of fashion to everyone, engaging with shoppers in real life and delivering the style and quality they expect from our brands.”

While the Managing Director of John Lewis, Peter Ruis, shared: “Bringing Topshop and Topman back to high streets across the UK is a landmark moment, and we are thrilled to be their only nationwide store partner. It’s the ultimate proof of our strategy: offering the most-loved brands alongside the unwavering trust of our brand promise. I grew up with these incredible brands. They have defined our high streets, bringing edge and accessibility with an iconic British lens.”

So clear your diaries for 3rd February 2026 to shop Topshop and Topman at John Lewis. Unsure what to add to the basket? We have whittled down our personal Topshop favourites for you. 

Of course, in the meantime you can shop all Topshop online here. 

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A dose of LSD – that psychedelic drug hippie grandmothers took in the 60s – could help ease anxiety, a new study has found.

LSD, also called acid, is a hallucinatory drug that makes us feel euphoric, giggly and overwhelmed.

But researchers have found that the illegal drug holds real promise in treating one of the most common mental health disorders in the UK.

A US trial explored the effect of MM120, a dissolvable LSD tablet, to treat generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

People with the condition often worry to an almost paralysing degree about everyday things, even when there’s little or no reason to do so.

In any given week in England, six in 100 people are diagnosed with GAD, with treatment options including talking therapy or medication.

The psychedelic company MindMed gave 198 patients aged 18 to 74 suffering from the condition MM120 instead.

Groups were either given single doses of 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms or 200 micrograms of the drug at research sites.

Between 25 to 200 micrograms is the usual dose range for LSD to experience its psychedelic effects, with 25 counting as a ‘minidose’, 100 as the standard and 200 as a high dose.

On ‘dosing day’, as the study, published today in the medical journal JAMA, put it, patients experienced mild hallucinations which lasted 12 hours.

Researchers scored each patient’s mood on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after a week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks and 12 weeks.

The tool ranks the ways people can be anxious out of five, like how fearful they are about certain things or if they’re struggling with insomnia.

Yet for those who had taken 100 micrograms, they experienced ‘acute therapeutic benefits’ from taking LSD throughout the full 12 weeks.

This led to a ‘statistically significant change in GAD that exceeded the changes seen with lower MM120 doses or with placebo’.

The amount is higher than what is used when microdosing LSD, which is typically defined by experts as taking up to 5-10% of a full dose. This is enough that people will experience mental health benefits, but not enough for a trip.

Lead author Maurizio Fava said: ‘This study is a true turning point in the field of psychiatry.

‘For the first time, LSD has been studied with modern scientific rigour, and the results are both clinically meaningful and potentially paradigm-shifting for the treatment of GAD.’

MindMed is now conducting phase three trials using MM120 on patients with GAD, the last early trials needed before seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

After decades of anti-drug campaigns, it now feels like every Silicon Valley CEO and Hollywood celebrity are turning to psychedelic drugs to ease their mental health.

And scientists think they’re onto something, with an increasing number testing how successful psychedelic-assisted therapy is, which combines the illicit substances with counselling.

Dr Ashwin Sood, a psychiatrist treating patients in Washington DC and New York, told Metro that this is because a full dose of a psychedelic can help the brain develop new cellular connections, a process called neuroplasticity.

He said: ‘Say, you’re sitting on the train and you’re thinking about what your plans are for the day, the work you need to do and funny memories.

‘This is the kind of network that is actively involved while you’re just sitting down and kind of daydreaming – LSD binds to the receptors and disrupts this entire network, and so causes the brain to develop new connections pretty quickly.’

If used to treat anxiety, Dr Sood said, a patient undergoes a trip in a medical setting with a trained healthcare professional.

‘They talk about their anxieties and the therapist helps reframe those anxieties more healthily,’ he said. ‘You’re almost resetting networks in the brain with new connections that have long-lasting results.’

Dr Sood said some people may experience a ‘bad trip’, however, seeing frightening visions and ‘ego death’ as they lose their sense of self.

He said: ‘They can also have increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased body temperature, transient elevations, and stress.’

Given this, Dr Sood cautioned against people grabbing a few tabs of LSD and kicking back.

‘They need to be done in controlled environments with clinical supervision, sourced from places that are safely regulated,’ he said.

‘If we don’t, that’s how we get back into stigmatising this medication quickly.’

MindMed is one of three American companies carrying out phase three trials into psychedelics, with others testing MDMA and magic mushrooms.

All have received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA, a stamp of quality approval from the agency.

MDMA, often known as Ecstasy or Molly, has been found to bring relief to those suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

While a study in 2021 found that the magic ingredient of, well, magic mushrooms, called psilocybin, can provide relief for depression.

Others have looked to microdosing as a treatment plan, though science backing up the practice is mixed, with some suggesting a significant benefit, whereas others are less convincing.

Dr Sood stressed, however, that many studies conducted so far have small sample sizes, so more research is needed. Though, the lack of research is in part due to the ‘War on Drugs’ of the 1960s, which hampered research for decades.

‘We’re excited about it, but they still need to be approved through phase three clinical trials, which will hopefully then lead to FDA approval,’ Dr Sood added.

‘Hopefully, we will see this.’

An earlier version of this article erroneously referred to ‘microdosing’ – in fact, the study found that the curative effects of taking LSD were more common in what is considered a ‘normal’ recreational dose of around 100mcg.

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We pride ourselves on staying in the know when it comes to the latest fashion trends, the viral garments and bestsellers, if not ahead of the fashion curve. Over the last few weeks we have spied numerous ‘It’ girls in Omnes’ Maisie Dress. 

The Maisie Dress is reportedly one of Omnes’ bestselling items, which is unsurprising considering it keeps selling out, specifically the butter yellow colourway that has been the colour trend of the summer. 

Thankfully the Maisie Dress is back in stock, and in a different colourway, which we think is more versatile and bound to fly off the shelves.

Omnes Maisie Dress

Made from 100% recycled polyester right down to the labels. This sustainable garment has been a bestseller because the slip dress features a V-neckline, open back with bow detail and lace trim. The midi dress is available in butter yellow or black, and in sizes 4 to 18.

BUY NOW FOR £89

Omnes’ Maisie Dress now comes in a butter yellow hue, which has almost sold out again, as well as a timeless black iteration that is ideal for all seasons and occasions. 

The Maisie Dress offers a new take on the classic satin slip dress as it features lace detailing around the bust, along the shoulders and the hem of the dress. 

This design also features thick shoulder straps, a V-plunge neckline and open back, which is also where you will find the standout detail that is the statement sash back that ties into a bow. 

There’s no denying this midi dress is ultra flattering, and an elevated alternative to the classic slip on midi dresses, which is why we love it. It’s the attention to detail that tells us Omnes knows what it’s doing. 

This dress has been crafted from 100% recycled polyester right down to the labels too, which have been made from recycled plastic bottles. 

This design comes in UK dress sizes 4 to 18, and though the butter yellow hue has limited sizes available, at the time of writing the black dress is still available to shop in all sizes. 

Whether you are heading to a summer party, are a wedding guest, or have a birthday coming up, this dress will see you through them all. Pair with ballet flats and wear for your girlie date, or slip into a pair of wedges or sling back kitten heels for a more glamorous affair. 

What we also love is you can wear this number as a dress to show off its full beauty, or you can layer over a jumper or cardigan and slip on a pair of heeled boots so it looks like a midi satin slip skirt. 

Considering how unique this dress is, its versatility, sustainable fabrics, high quality, and the fact it is a bestselling item all the fashion influencers are wearing, it’s one item your wardrobe not only wants but needs. 

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If you often find yourself scrolling through your phone while sat on the loo, you may want to reconsider your choice of bathroom entertainment.

A new study has revealed that those who take their phone to the toilet are 46% more likely to get haemorrhoids — and have issued guidance to help people reduce their risk.

‘Set a two TikTok limit,’ said Dr Trisha Pasricha,gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

‘What you shouldn’t be doing is getting so trapped in this cycle of scrolling and watching TikTok that you lose track of why you came here in the first place… If the magic hasn’t happened within five minutes, you should get up and go. Take a breather and come back.’

Dr Pasricha warned that social media apps are designed to ‘make you lose track of time’, and although our pre-TikTok ancestors busied themselves with newspapers or books, ‘it wasn’t distracting to the same level.’

Explaining how prolonged bathroom breaks can lead to piles, she added: ‘If you’re just hanging out there in the open, this passive pressure will eventually, over time, cause the connective tissue to weaken and cause those veins to engorge.’

Gastroenterologist Dr Sethi previously advised against the common habit on TikTok, claiming it could lead to ‘serious consequences’ in the long-run.

The Harvard and Stanford-trained stomach doctor said that while it may ‘seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails’ while on the enamel throne, it’s actually anything but.

‘First, using your phone while doing a number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,’ explained Dr Sethi. ‘This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and even rectal prolapse.’

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, can cause itchy lumps, bright red blood or mucus in poo, and the feeling that you still need to go even after you’ve emptied your bowels. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of your anus, tend to be accompanied by fresh blood and sharp pain during or after you poo.

Rectal prolapse, when part of the large intestine drops into the anus, is less common than these conditions but shares many of the same symptoms as piles. Unlike hemorrhoids or anal fissures, however, it’s chronic and progressive, meaning it won’t go away on its own.

If you’re experiencing any problems with your bowel movements, it’s a good idea to see a doctor alongside adopting healthier toilet habits like ditching tech.

Dr Sethi noted that germs are another issue with scrolling on the loo, as the bathroom can be ‘a breeding ground for bacteria’ and ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat.’

Previous research revealed that half of Brits – more than 26.3million adults – are guilty of using their mobile on the lavatory (and that’s just the ones who admit it). Plus, 40% say they’ve dropped a device down the toilet or into the sink.

Hopefully the idea of losing your beloved smartphone to the u-bend is enough to get you to stop taking it with you as you relieve yourself, even if health conditions and bacteria don’t convince you.

For those that still can’t tear themselves away, though, Dr Sethi advised: ‘At least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you’re done with the business.’

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Death happens to us all, so it’s only natural to want to know what you experience the moment your heart stops beating.

Will you see a bright light or dead loved ones? Will you be confronted with everything you wish you’d done differently? Is peaceful or scary?

There’s a saying that your life flashes before your eyes, it’s a phenomena dubbed ‘life recall’.

You’ll often hear people who’ve had a brush with death say their whole life replayed in their mind — and it turns out, scientists have proved something like this could very well happen when you die.

Neuroscientists have actually recorded the brain activity of someone as they died, and found that their brain waves at the time of death were similar to those that happen when we dream, recall memories and meditate.

Is it just us, or is that oddly comforting? If we’ve peaked your morbid curiosity, then read on to learn more about what happens when you die.

How does life recall work?

The study, published in the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in 2023, found that our brain could remain active and coordinated during and even after the ‘transition to death’, responding to the change with a ‘programmed’ ending.

This finding came after an 87-year-old patient developed epilepsy and an EEG was being used to detect the seizures so they could treat the patient.

While they were recording the brain activity, the patient had a heart attack and died, meaning the activity of a dying brain was recorded for the first time ever.

Dr Ajmal Zemmar, a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville, US, who led the study, explained to Frontiers they investigated the 30 seconds before and after the heart stopped beating and saw neurological differences.

‘We saw changes in a specific band of neural oscillations, so-called gamma oscillations, but also in others such as delta, theta, alpha, and beta oscillations,’ he said.

Oscillations is a fancy term for brain waves and all the aforementioned types of brain waves, bar delta, are associated with dreaming, memories and information processing – which amount to flashbacks.

Delta brain waves are associated with deep sleep are certain states of consciousness.

“The brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die, similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences,” Dr Zemmar speculated.

‘These findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and generate important subsequent questions, such as those related to the timing of organ donation.’

It’s important to remember though, that this study only had a single patient who had also suffered seizures and swelling but Zemmar is hopeful that this knowledge comforts those who have lost or are losing loved ones.

‘Although our loved ones have their eyes closed and are ready to leave us to rest, their brains may be replaying some of the nicest moments they experienced in their lives,’ he said.

Visioning

But it’s not just at the point of death that we see things, we also experience visioning as part of the dying process.

It’s one of the six deathbed phenomena described by hospice nurse Julie McFadden, 41, who’s based in LA and spends her time administering palliative care.

‘Visioning is wild,’ Julie says. It’s not about hallucinations and psychosis, or seeing things due to mental illness. ‘It happens to many people, it’s always comforting and the person is almost always alert and oriented,’ she explains.

‘People always say “oh it’s the medication or the lack of oxygen” or “they’re just confused”, but… most people who have visioning are none of those things.

‘It usually happens a few weeks before death, they can be up and having a normal conversation with their family and saying they’re seeing their dead father in the corner who is smiling and telling them he’s coming to get them soon and not to worry.’

The best thing to do as a family member witnessing your loved one experiencing visioning is to ‘just go with it’, according to the nurse.

She says that people typically experience visioning about a month away from death.

The death reach

Sometimes visioning goes hand-in-hand with what is called ‘the death reach’.

‘This is when a person is lying in bed and they reach up in the air, almost like they’re seeing someone or reaching for someone to hug them or to shake their hand,’ Julie explains.

This can be for a prolonged period of time too. Again healthcare professionals don’t necessarily know why this is happening but it’s normal.

While nothing is fully understood yet, it’s clear that our brains work in mysterious ways when our time comes to pass on. At least now, you have a little bit of an idea as to what you can expect.

This article was first published on June 15, 2025.

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