The Weekly Gulp, October 17th: Hairy thongs, South Asian supper clubs and an Inbetweeners comeback
Niamh voices her thoughts on Kim K's new furry knickers, Almha reflects on her favourite coming-of-age show and resident foodie Danielle explores the rise of South Asian supper clubs
A note from our writer, Ashley
It’s been a wild week – as always – but that didn’t stop our team from delivering the stories that matter most. From deep dives to pop culture gems, we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve created… and yes, we love reading them just as much as you do.
During my time at The Gulp as an Audience Writer, I’ve had the chance to do what I love most: share stories that resonate, from travel diaries and concert reviews to the biggest trending topics lighting up our feeds. I’m so grateful for this platform, not just as a place to write, but as a space where I could share parts of myself.
My favourite piece? Without a doubt, my feature on Home Girls Unite — a support group for immigrant eldest daughters living in the UK. That one will always stay with me. And on the lighter side, covering Wireless Festival was an experience I’ll never forget.
What began as a brand-new project quickly became something special. I’m so proud to have been part of The Gulp, built from the ground up by an all-female team of sharp, creative and passionate writers. Watching it grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
This is my last newsletter with you — but definitely not my last read. I’ll be cheering from the other side of the inbox, coffee in hand, soaking up every word.
Editor’s Picks
Almha has shared powerful series of stories exploring the ongoing contraception crisis in the UK, from unplanned pregnancies to rising rates of teen abortions, in this portfolio piece. She approaches the subject with care and precision, giving voice to the young women most affected by the crisis and shedding light on an issue too often overlooked,” says Emerging Audiences Editor, Lauren Gordon
Everything you need to know
This is your cheat sheet for the week's news that matters. We got you!
Young people have helped cut London knife crime rates in a 22-year first
Eurovision’s organisers cancelled a vote on Israel’s participation as nations plan to boycott
Kylie Jenner teased the return of her King Kylie era
Ofcom issued an update on a dangerous suicide forum as the Molly Rose Foundation calls for it to be taken down
The drama continues as Charli XCX refuses to comment on Taylor Swift diss track allegations
Beloved YouTubers Dan and Phil confirmed their 16-year relationship - but say it came at a cost
YouTuber Jake Paul spoke out about the dangers of AI amid viral deepfake ‘coming out’ clips
Niamh Kirk looks beyond Kim Kardashian’s new hairy thong and asks one question
Niamh is our go-to reporter for emerging trends and taste tests
Kim Kardashian just launched a new range of merkins. Yes, you read that right. The 44-year-old’s clothing brand SKIMS has introduced the world to the Faux Hair Micro String Thong - a pair of pants with fake-pubes attached to the front and Niamh has one big question.
“In classic Kim style - this new SKIMS release has got everyone talking. In a world where it feels like everyone dresses and looks the same, people are seeking to stand out among the crowd - but are hairy undies the answer?” Niamh writes.
Shannon Miller shares Simply Sayo’s story of losing two sisters to sickle cell disease
Shannon is our top reporter for real-life stories and overlooked truths.
Influencer Simply Sayo sadly lost two sisters, Adesayo and Elizabeth, at a very young age after suffering from sickle cell disease.
Adesayo, also known as Simply Sayo, made a promise to start donating blood, despite it being too late to help her sisters. Still, she couldn’t bear the thought of others waiting for transfusions that might never come.
She has become one of the most recognisable young voices for the sickle cell community. In a major move, partnering with NHS Blood and Transplant to launch ‘It Takes a Village’, she hopes to see new blood donors from Black heritage backgrounds to tackle the urgent need for more donors and save lives.
Danielle Canagasarium meets the founders of a viral South Asian supper club
Danielle is on the pulse of the UK’s evolving food scene.
“The renaissance of supper clubs has been well-documented over the last two years, as Brits increasingly crave community and authenticity. But South Asian chefs and home cooks have long been pioneers in the space - armed with priceless family recipes and an eagerness to expand the UK’s perception of South Asian cuisine,” Danielle writes.
To investigate this growing cultural phenomenon, Danielle spoke with mother-daughter duo Sudha Thanki and Priya Bowry, founders of the up-and-coming Vegetarian Brown Girls. They shared how they’re broadening minds and palates one ten-course dinner at a time.
Almha Murphy welcomes The Inbetweeners reboot but hopes for one thing
Almha is a our resident TV binger, bringing niche cultural takes to the big screen.
That’s right: Britain’s favourite cult coming-of-age show might be coming back. Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions, the company founded by show creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, have struck an agreement which they say “paves the way for the return of the hit comedy title.”
But as certified Inbetweeners fan Almha reminisces on why the show meant so much to her during her blundering teen years, she hopes the show sticks to its relatable roots.
“No matter what your school experience was like – whether you had an unreciprocated crush or embarrassing parents or you did bizarre things to impress your mates – there isn’t a quintessential teenage gaffe that The Inbetweeners hasn’t managed to capture,” Almha writes.
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