Across the UK, Black students remain significantly underrepresented in doctoral programmes. This is despite years of widening participation policies and a growing awareness that the pathways into a PhD are often far harder to navigate for some groups than others.

My research with colleagues shows that a different approach is possible: one that draws on long-standing African philosophies of community, character and collective care.

In 2021, I and colleagues launched the Accomplished Study Programme in Research Excellence (Aspire), an initiative led by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and higher education charity Advance HE. The programme emerged from a national funding competition aimed at widening access and participation for Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in postgraduate research.

Aspire provides personalised, culturally grounded mentorship that combines academic development and wellbeing support. The programme works with Black students in their final year of undergraduate and master’s degrees, as well as graduates who may have left university long ago, helping them find their way into doctoral study.

Aspire takes inspiration from two African philosophies. One is ubuntu, a concept from Southern Africa meaning: “I am because we are.” It emphasises community, mutual support and shared humanity.

The other is omoluabi, a Yoruba principle of “good character”. It values integrity, humility, respect and responsibility towards others.

These ideas may be centuries old, but they offer a powerful framework for modern mentorship. Students told us that mentoring based on these values felt different: more personal, more understanding and more connected to who they are. It gave them permission to see themselves not as outsiders in academia, but as people whose experiences and identities belong there.

Each participant is paired with a Black academic mentor who offers personalised guidance and support throughout the six month duration of the programme. Instead of presenting the doctoral process as a rigid checklist, mentors helps students understand the unwritten expectations of academia.

This includes how to approach potential supervisors, how funding works and how to build a research profile. The programme builds confidence and opens up the possibility of a PhD for people who may never have imagined doctoral study as an option for them.

The programme, and the research my colleagues and I have published on its methodology, offer the clearest evidence yet that culturally grounded mentorship is not simply beneficial; it is transformative.

Many students begin thinking about doctoral study years before they apply. But for Black students, this journey is often shaped by additional pressures. These include limited access to academic role models, navigating structural inequalities, and the experience of feeling out of place in academic spaces. Standard university support, such as one-off career talks or short mentoring schemes, rarely addresses these deeper issues.

Feeling seen and heard

A key element of the programme is the Talk About Race Forum, a structured but open discussion space where students can reflect on their experiences of university life. For many, this was the first time they could speak honestly about the challenges such as racial microaggressions or the fear of “not being good enough”.

These conversations were not counselling sessions, nor were they complaints forums. Instead, they became places of validation. Students heard others articulate struggles similar to their own. This helped them realise that these challenges were not personal failings but often the result of broader inequalities. Mentors and peers provided reassurance and practical advice rooted in lived experience.

This sense of recognition was central to students’ growth. Many described gaining a stronger sense of who they were academically, and beginning to picture themselves in doctoral settings they once assumed were “not for people like me”.

One of the strongest findings from the research is that culturally informed mentorship can create measurable impact.

Across three cohorts, the programme has supported 59 Black students. Of these, 15 scholars have progressed into fully funded PhD programmes in different UK universities. This 25% progression rate far exceeds typical sector patterns for Black students. These achievements stem not only from academic guidance but also from the emotional support students received and the reassurance that they belonged, that their ideas mattered, and that doctoral study was within reach.

A model for the future

Universities often call for increased diversity in postgraduate research. However, many rely on surface-level initiatives that do little to address structural barriers. The Aspire approach suggests a realistic alternative.

It is about adopting principles that make mentorship meaningful. This includes seeing students as whole people, not problems to be “fixed”. The programme values cultural knowledge and lived experience and invests time in building trust. It provides personalised guidance rather than one-size-fits-all workshops.

For institutions, the benefits extend beyond individual student success. A more diverse doctoral community enriches research, expands perspectives and strengthens the university’s connection to the society it serves.

The under-representation of Black students in UK doctoral programmes is often seen as a long-standing, stubborn inequality. But our findings show it is neither mysterious nor impossible to address. When mentorship is rooted in compassion, culture and community, it becomes a powerful tool for change.

Culturally grounded approaches like ubuntu and omoluabi do more than help students navigate an unfamiliar system. They reshape students’ sense of possibility. They also challenge universities to rethink the kinds of support that truly foster inclusion.

Kirsty Muir agonisingly missed out on on Team GB’s first medal of the Winter Olympics after her final run took her to within 0.41 of a judging point from bronze.

Her final run in the ski slopestyle final meant that she surged from 10th after round one, sixth after the second run, to fourth at the finish. A tally of 76.05 was short of Canada’s Megan Oldham on 76.46 by just about the narrowest possible margin.

With a win in the prestigious X Games earlier this year, Muir was among the favourites alongside Mathilde Gremaud and Eileen Gu – now respectively gold and silver medallists in consecutive Games – but ultimately paid for errors in the opening two runs.

She needed a stand-out last run and, while she improved both on the rails at the top of the slope and then by hitting a 1080 jump (three full rotations) followed by a double cork 14 (four full spins), she was unable to convince the judges. 

Muir was in tears at the finish, conducting her interviews with her skiing goggles still on.

“I put it out there on every run, it just wasn’t working for me,” she said. “I struggled to accept how close it was.  I’m proud of myself but in a bit of a hole right now.

“My family were hugging me super tight. Before the comp, after the comp, they’re always saying how proud they are of me, and that they don’t care what happens as long as I’m okay. It’s hard. I just wanted this a lot. I think I just need to have a moment to process, try and find the positives I can, and then completely reset.” 

People have been left gobsmacked after discovering a little-known feature about a common McDonald’s item – but some say it makes perfect sense and should be used more often

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McDonald’s feeds nearly 1% of the global population every single day – and yet customers keep making the same mistake when visiting the fast-food chain.

It turns out the vast majority of diners across the world have been using its sauce cups incorrectly, as many simply pour the condiment into the clip and dip their fries into it without making any alterations to the pot. However, a Reddit user claims you’re meant to flatten out the pot, saying it has a fan-like design for a reason. A woman said: “My daughter insists that flattening the sauce cup in McDonald’s is the correct way. I think she’s barbaric.”

Commenting on her post, one user said: “I blew a kid’s mind with this. He was carefully filling his third pot when I made mine into a bowl and filled it with barbecue… His surprised Pikachu look was priceless.”

Another user added: “If you flatten it out halfway, it’s still cup-shaped but can hold more sauce.”

A third user said: “You’ve reached the day when you are certain your child is brighter than you. Embrace it. How are you getting a nugget in your way?”

One more user added: “Your daughter is correct. Also, if you go somewhere like Chopstix that uses those cardboard boxes, you can fold them out into a plate to make them easier to eat from.”

It comes after a former McDonald’s worker explained why the chain’s milkshake machine always seems to be ‘broken’.

Mike Haracz, who was a corporate chef at McDonald’s until 2019, has been sharing behind-the-scenes secrets on his TikTok channel. One of these includes the reason why the fast-food chain’s milkshake machine is often out of order.

In one of his recent videos, he quotes a viewer’s comment: “I work at McDonald’s. They [the milkshake machine] are most probably not broken. We just don’t want to add the mix if it’s busy. If it’s not [busy], then they’re just hating.”

Serving a milkshake or McFlurry when the machine needs refilling requires a crew member to fetch the right mix from a fridge at the back of the store, add it to the machine, and run it until it comes out as expected.

This can take quite a bit of time and isn’t ideal when customers are waiting both in-store and at the drive-thru. That’s when you’re likely to hear, “sorry, the milkshake machine is broken”.

But this isn’t the only reason an employee might fib about the machine’s status. It could also be undergoing a cleaning cycle, or they simply might not know how to put it back together after its cleaning cycle the night before.

The Swans brought in a number of new recruits over the summer – and some have clearly been more successful than others

There were plenty of positives for Swansea City fans to enjoy on Sunday.

A 4-0 win over struggling Sheffield Wednesday has not only further eased any flickering concerns of a relegation fight, but has actually sparked some tentative talk of an unlikely surge towards the top six.

Swans fans also got to see new signing Leo Walta in action for the first time. The Finland international coming off the bench to make his first outing since arriving on deadline day.

January as a whole was a reasonably quiet one for the Swans, with Walta one of three incomings during the month.

Joel Ward and Bretford loanee Gustavo Nunes were the others to come through the door, and Vitor Matos will be hoping the trio can make a positive impact on his squad heading into the second half of the season.

Swansea’s summer recruits have certainly made a difference.

Well, some of them anyway. Others are perhaps still waiting for their Swans careers to get moving.

Here’s a quick look at how Swansea’s summer signings have fared so far.

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Zeidane Inoussa

Swansea’s first signing of what would prove to be a busy summer. He signed a five-year deal after joining for an undisclosed fee from FC Hacken. The winger’s arrival was the first indication of co-owner Luka Modric’s influence, after revealing he spoke to the Croatian before signing.

Verdict: Has shown some promising signs, but has taken time to adapt to the Championship. Started 12 times, but yet to score a league goal, and facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a back injury.

Bobby Wales

The youngster was always going to be signed as one for the future after joining from Kilmarnock, where he scored five goals in 44 appearances.

Verdict: Hasn’t yet managed to really make his mark on the first team, with all four of his league appearances coming from the bench. Does have a cup goal to his name, and he remains highly rated by insiders, but needs to play regular football on loan at Huddersfield.

Ricardo Santos

Was always brought in as defensive cover after leaving Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer, but may well have expected a little more game-time. Injuries haven’t helped, but he’s made just one appearance since joining. Was close to leaving in January but an exit never materialised.

Verdict: Still time to turn things around, but doesn’t feel like it’s worked out so far.

Cameron Burgess

Signed on a free after coming up against the likes of Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak in the Premier League with Ipswich Town. Has become one of the first names on the teamsheet this season, having started every league game so.

Verdict: Has had his dips, and clearly brings a different skillset to predecessor Harry Darling, but it would take a big shift for him to be dislodged as Ben Cabango’s first-choice partner. A pretty successful signing on the whole.

Ethan Galbraith

Has looked hugely impressive both in the heart of midfield and, more recently, at right-back. Having notched up three goals and two assists, the Northern Irishman has become a huge favourite with fans and players alike.

Verdict: The fact Swansea are likely to have a big fight on their hands to keep him this summer says it all. Already an instrumental figure, and very much looks a Premier League player in waiting.

Kaelan Casey

Brought in on loan to add further depth at the heart of defence. However, he made just three league starts for the Swans, much to the concern of West Ham, who made the decision to recall him in January. Now enjoying a stint at Leyton Orient.

Verdict: It didn’t really work out, but it wasn’t really his fault given Burgess and Cabango are clearly the favoured duo right now. Was fairly accomplished on the occasions he was called upon.

Paul Farman

Signed to add depth to the goalkeeping options, the 35-year-old hasn’t yet made a single appearance. Barring a goalkeeping injury crisis, it seems unlikely that will change any time soon.

Verdict: He’s provided valuable cover, but with his contract up at the end of the season, it seems likely he’ll be moving on this summer.

Malick Yalcouye

Signed amid a fair amount of fanfare on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, the midfielder was playing Champions League football for Austrian side Sturm Graz last term. Netted his first Swans goal in the 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Verdict: Has had a bit of a slow start to this Swans career. A silly red card against Queens Park Rangers in October clearly didn’t help matters. Indeed, he wouldn’t start another game until New Year’s Day, and there had been some suggestion Matos perhaps wasn’t too keen on the midfielder. However, a series of promising recent cameos means he is surely now pushing for more game-time. One hopes there is more to come.

Marko Stamenic

A huge favourite under Alan Sheehan, the New Zealander has had a difficult time in south Wales due to matters off the pitch. However, he now looks to be recapturing some of his promising early form, as evidenced by his brilliant performance at Watford recently.

Verdict: Seems a really important part of this team, adding steel at the base of midfield. Looks to be a solid acquisition.

Adam Idah

Arrived for a massive fee, but his Swans career is yet to really take off. There have been highlights, most notably his winner against Wrexham before Christmas. But a hamstring injury and the red-hot form of Zan Vipotnik has clearly hugely hampered his efforts to impress.

Verdict: Spending three months on the treatment table will be gutting. As such, the jury is clearly still out for now.

Ishe Samuels-Smith

Had never made a senior appearance before joining on loan from Chelsea, and the decision to hand him a debut against Premier League Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season subsequently felt a bit of a gamble. However, he’s always looked fairly comfortable when called upon.

Verdict: Looks a decent acquisition and probably would have played more were it not for Josh Tymon’s importance to this team. There could well be a gap to fill at centre-back, however, in the second half of the season, a role he has played before.

Manuel Benson

There was plenty of excitement around his capture given how good he was for Burnley when he was last at this level. But it turned out to be a bit of a disaster, with the winger starting one game before being shipped out in January to Maccabi Haifa.

Verdict: Sadly proved the worst signing of the window. His time in south Wales yielded little, if any, positives. A move away the best for all concerned.

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Plans for a redeveloped petrol station include photovoltaic solar panels

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A petrol station in Peterborough could be demolished prior to significant redevelopment. A planning application submitted by Directfirm Ltd to Peterborough City Council outlines how the BP garage on St John’s Street needs to modernise.

The application explains how the site has “operated as a petroleum filling station for many years.” and “benefits from a strong and established customer base”.

It goes on to say: “However, the existing facilities no longer meet the expectations or safety standards of a modern service station, and the current forecourt layout presents accessibility and operational challenges.” The garage site is home to a petrol station, a kiosk building, a forecourt, and a canopy.

The whole site will be comprehensively upgraded if the proposed plans – drawn up by ADP Architecture and Design Ltd – are approved. The site will see works consisting of the “Demolition and redevelopment of existing petrol filling station, including new kiosk building, forecourt canopy, lighting pole and below ground fuel tanks.”

Once completed, the new facility will boast:

• A new kiosk/sales building offering retail sales, refreshments, and an accessible unisex public toilet;
• A fully resurfaced forecourt;
• Improved car parking facilities, including the introduction of electric vehicle charging points;
• A new forecourt canopy positioned over the fuel dispensing areas;
• PV solar panel systems for energy generation.

The plans suggest the petrol station will continue to operate the same one-way traffic system as it does now. The planning application was validated on Thursday, February 5.

The Glens suffered a 4-1 defeat to the league-leaders at the Oval last month, but the midfielder is determined for a different outcome in Tuesday night’s return fixture against his former club

Joe Thomson says Glentoran must take the positives from their last meeting with Larne as they prepare to face the league leaders at Inver Park on Tuesday evening (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens went down 4-1 to Gary Haveron’s side at the BetMcLean Oval last month but Thomson says the score doesn’t tell the whole story.

With the game finely balanced at 1-1 the hosts were reduced to 10 men 11 minutes before the break when Ryan Cooney was dismissed with the visitors restoring their lead in the 41st minute through Chris Gallagher.

Further goals from Paul O’Neill and Tomas Cosgrove in the second half made it a comfortable looking score line for the Invermen, but Thomson believes there was plenty for Glentoran to take heart from.

“Obviously if you look at the score line it doesn’t make pretty reading for us, but that wasn’t the full story on the night from our perspective,” said Thompson.

“We had got ourselves back into the game when Daniel Larmour equalised for us and I felt we were getting the upper hand.

“Unfortunately, the game was to swing back in their favour when Ryan was sent off and they got themselves back in front again before half-time.

“The message from the boss at half-time was positive and we were determined to keep pushing to try and get back into the game.

“I think we gave a good account of ourselves, especially as we were able man down, and on another night, we might have got something out of the game.

“Larne obviously scored a couple more goal but I think the circumstances played their part. That gives us a lot of heart going into Tuesday night.

“We know we have to work hard and put in another big performance, but it’s also important that we manage the game as we are away from home.

“When you play the teams around you it’s important you take something from it and we will be doing all we can to do that.”

Confidence is high in the Glens squad as last Tuesday night’s BetMcLean Cup semi-final win over Coleraine made it four wins in a row following their defeat to Larne.

A date with Linfield in next month’s showpiece final awaits as momentum builds towards a big end to the season and Thomson says Glentoran need to harness the positivity of their recent results.

“Bar the Larne game we have had some big results and performances over the last couple of months,” he added.

“The was our only defeat in the last nine games with eight wins in that time, which is a good run for any team.

“Confidence is high amongst the squad because of that and I think you can see that in our performance levels.

“Not only have we produced some impressive performances over the last few weeks, but we have also shown a lot of character.

“The times where we have had to dig in to get results, we have done it and that says a lot about us as a squad.

“Last Tuesday night against Coleraine showed that. It was a very tough game against a quality side.There were times when we were under a lot of pressure, but we dug in and defended as a team.

“We also showed our quality by taking our chances when they come along to make sure we won the game.

“Every game is massive now and we have to try and come out on the right side of the result as many times as we can.

“Having momentum is key in football and we are feeling good, especially after progressing to the BetMcLean Cup final.

“We just have to continue to keep doing the things we have been doing well so far this season and see where it takes us. It’s certainly building towards an exciting end to the campaign for us all.”

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Manchester United faced a familiar scenario on Saturday but this time with a different manager in the hotseat at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s time as Manchester United manager didn’t produce many highlights but undoubtedly one of the darkest days of his tenure came when Everton visited Old Trafford last November. The Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat against Everton despite playing against ten men for all but 13 minutes of the match.

The negative 3-4-2-1 system was under scrutiny and proved it could not unlock a side that would definitely have taken a point as soon as they were reduced to 10 men.

Unbelievably the Toffees secured all three points and less than two months on Amorim was sacked. Last weekend, United once again found themselves up against 10 men with the game goalless. Where Amorim failed, Michael Carrick succeeded.

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MEN Sport has taken a look back at the Everton defeat and highlighted five ways Carrick’s tactics trumped Amorim’s when tasked with breaking down a side who had seen a man sent off.

Fernandes change

Amorim always justified the decision to play Bruno Fernandes deeper in midfield because he wanted United to have more control in the centre of the pitch.

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However, that tweak saw Kobbie Mainoo drop out and it is clear to see that Mainoo needs to be in the team. Everton’s winner came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall running off Fernandes before Leny Yoro failed to stop the shot.

Against Spurs, and since the arrival of Carrick, Fernandes has moved into attacking midfield and he has been excellent, as has Mainoo since being brought back in from the cold.

Predictability

Rewatching the Everton game was painful for plenty of reasons, particularly because of how predictable United were. It was difficult for Amorim’s side when playing a team with a goal advantage and the ability to sit on the edge of their area, but the Reds made it way too easy for them.

United would play the ball out to Amad in the hope he could produce a moment of magic, but with Everton doubling up on him he would have to work it back and eventually the attack broke down. It was dull and uninspiring.

In contrast, United switched up their attack against Tottenham, with the first goal a perfect example. Matheus Cunha did well to drift inside and create overloads in the centre, a move that ultimately won the corner from which the first goal came.

A neat training ground routine allowed the ball to be laid off for Bryan Mbeumo to slot home. It seems simple but it is by far a better brand of football to watch.

Tempo

This goes hand-in-hand with the predictable nature of Amorim’s system but the tempo in the defeat to Everton was shockingly low. When Idrissa Gueye was sent off, Old Trafford was rocking and hopeful of seeing their side take advantage.

Instead, United killed that urgency with slow play which made it easy for Everton to defend. The Reds were too casual in possession and this created problems with passes being intercepted and clearances being made.

Now, there is a sharpness to United’s play that is not just evident against ten men. Carrick’s side pass the ball around with a crispness and some of the one-touch football left Spurs scratching their heads at the weekend.

The out-ball

Bafflingly, United were so defensive against Everton you would have thought they were the ones with ten men. A particular example of this was their approach to defending long throws.

The Reds put all 11 men behind the ball, including Joshua Zirkzee. When they eventually cleared the danger, there was nobody upfield to offer a way out and Everton were able to just recycle possession.

Against Tottenham, that was not the case and this allowed United to retain more control. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have forged a solid partnership in recent weeks and that gives United the confidence to leave a man upfield without the fear of conceding.

Crossing

When United eventually managed to work an opening against Everton they looked to get crosses into the box. Not a bad strategy except for a couple of key issues.

Firstly, there was no variation on the crosses, with all being looping balls that Michael Keane and James Tarkowski took pleasure in just heading away. On the few occasions they were beaten, Zirkzee forced a couple of good saves from Jordan Pickford.

However, there were also too many occasions when Zirkzee and other forwards were not bursting into the box to try and get on the end of crosses. The combination of the two was a recipe for disaster.

Now, United are showing a variation in their crosses and the second against Spurs came thanks to a brilliant delivery from Diogo Dalot which Benjamin Sesko was trying to reach.

He missed it but following up was Fernandes. The finish was sublime.

While men aren’t a fan of the classic cowgirl, and women hate it in reverse, how we like it in bed will always be a hot topic.

Of course, everyone has their own personal preferences, but there’s one position that both men and women agree is ‘one of the worst ever’.

What is it, you ask? It’s the 69, and both sexes have the exact same complaint… they don’t like multi-tasking.

It’s an understandable gripe, with countless men and women taking to Reddit to decry the oral act.

Here’s what the guys had to say…

One 28-year-old guy wrote: ‘Not a fan. I love giving. I love receiving. 69 makes it hard for me to enjoy either part. I don’t like someone’s crotch in my face when I’m receiving… and the BJ is really overwhelming for me when I’m trying to give pleasure.’

The off-putting nature of this multi-tasking was summed up perfectly by a fellow male Redditor, who said: ‘It’s like two people giving each other a massage. Feels like for the relaxation to be fully enjoyed, one person should go at a time.’

Others shared how they’d never climaxed or made their partner climax while 69-ing, while others admitted they’d get more pleasure taking turns.

‘The main problem with this position is that you are both givers and takers at the same time,’ added another. ‘As a giver it’s hard to focus, and as a taker you can’t relax. It’s one of the worst positions ever.’

Here’s what the women thought, too…

In the case of the 69, it’s clear men and women are singing from the same hymn sheet.

‘I don’t enjoy oral unless I can really concentrate on every subtle thing that he does and how good it feels,’ explained one woman. ‘Otherwise it just feels like someone tickling me in an uncomfortable way.

‘And when I have a d**k in my face, I am pretty unaware of anything going on with the rest of my body. It’s just so demanding and there in my face. So it end up being a blow job in an uncomfortable position with someone tickling me somewhere and an obligation to enjoy it.’

In fact, a study of more than 2,000 women found that, for 29%, the 69 was the most disliked sex position. Site Seduce AI, which conducted the study, found women cited the division of attention between giving and receiving pleasure to be a turn off.

They also felt they couldn’t focus on their own sexual feelings, which caused frustration and a lack of sexual satisfaction. Honestly, getting to the finish line can be hard enough as it is.

One woman added: ‘I don’t like it. It’s supposed to be double fun, but I can’t focus on any of the two and as a result neither of the two is fun.’

Others shared they were ‘surprised anyone actually likes it’.

For some women, it’s too close for comfort

But unlike men, women shared another pitfall they felt stopped them from being able to enjoy the position.

‘There’s nothing appealing about it, and I’d feel self-conscious in that position,’ one lady admitted.

It’s not hard to see how having your naked behind on full display less than two inches from someone’s face might make you a bit nervous – it’s pretty exposing.

Another woman agreed, adding: ‘It’s a really awkward blowjob angle and his nose ends up too close to my butthole for comfort.’

The 69 is the marmite of sex

‘No sex position is for everyone but people have a lot of divisive opinions about 69-ing – they either love it, or they hate it,’ sexologist and author of Kink Curious, Gigi Engle, tells Metro.

‘In my experience, most people don’t like it.’

For Gigi, she agrees it can be a lot of work and can result in a loss of focus.

‘Giving a blowjob to a penis can be a lot of work, and takes a lot of focus, it can also be pretty exhausting on the jaw for some people,’ she explains.

‘The part women tend not to like about it is it can be difficult to enjoy the oral they’re giving you, because you can’t focus on your own pleasure and experience.’

She also adds that the 69 won’t be a favourite for people who like lots of eye-contact during sex, but she does think it’s a great position in its own right.

‘No sex position is for everyone, but 69-ing can be really fun, the focus just needs to be less about climaxing and more about experiencing the pleasure you’re giving each other,’ she says.

‘It doesn’t need to be about putting on a performance, just enjoy the intimacy of pleasuring your partner, while they’re pleasuring you.’

Proving there’s no one fits all when it comes to sex, though, once writer who recently took part in Metro’s How I Do It sex diary revealed how it had become her favourite way to end a night.

‘These days, 69 is definitely our ‘go to’ position for passion. We always finish together and my orgasms are so much more intense (and frequent),’ she said.

‘We may not have as much penis in vagina sex as we used to back in the day and pre-kids, but all our sexual encounters are so much more satisfying.’

Ultimately though, if the 69 is a turn off for you, that’s totally fine. As Gigi says, it’s ‘different strokes for different folks’.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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Lando Norris’ confidence is “even higher” for the 2026 Formula 1 season after he won his first drivers’ title last year, McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown says.

As McLaren launched their car for the new season, two days before the start of the second pre-season test in Bahrain, Brown said Norris wanted to become a multiple title winner.

He predicted the British driver’s team-mate Oscar Piastri would again pose a strong challenge, having led the championship for much of last season only to fade in the final part of the year.

He said: “There are some drivers that say, ‘I’ve done it, now I’m done.’

“And then you have drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher who go, I’ve done it once, now I want to do it twice and three and four times.

“Lando’s confidence is very high. He’s highly motivated. It’s our job to give he and Oscar equipment again to be able to let him fight it out for the championship. But if we can do that, I would think Oscar and Lando will both be in with a shout.”

Brown said that, as last year, the team would allow their drivers to race each other for the title.

“They continue to be free to race. Again, we will be strategic and intelligent when situations arise. There won’t be much change because they were free to race last year,” he said.

Brown is optimistic McLaren, who also won their second consecutive constructors’ title last year, will be “strong” when the new season starts with the Australian Grand Prix from 6-8 March.

Brown said the evidence of the first ‘shakedown’ test in Spain last month was that they, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull “all seemed competitive”.

Brown said: “Very risky to judge. Spain, what I would say is we feel like we’ll be competitive.

“Very early days, but indications that we will be strong. But it would be premature to make any predictions beyond that.”