Innholdsfortegnelse for 31 December 2025 i Chat

Whether you’re reading this on the chaos of Christmas Eve or the big day’s been and gone and you’re taking the chance for some ‘me time’ with your mag, we’ve got a top issue for you, packed with inspo for the year ahead. Kat was fed up with her size but lost an amazing 12st after her little boy piped up with something life-changing (p10). And brave Anna candidly opens up about her battle with alcohol. Her journey to quitting the bottle was never easy, but as you’ll read, it was worth it (p38). Have a great week, PS If you’re entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Gemma Laidler, 40, Newcastle upon Tyne The man walking down the street was dark haired, 6ft 2in tall and gorgeous. ‘I’m Ryan, I’m here about the house,’ he grinned. It was April 2021 and I was doing a favour for a friend, showing prospective tenants around his rental. But before I knew it, me and Ryan were chatting away like old mates. Then swapping numbers. Feel like I’ve known you for years, I messaged him later. He told me he’d previously worked as an engineer, but trauma in his past meant he’d turned to drugs. ‘I’m clean now,’ he said. I admired his honesty. I’d lost my brother to drugs in 2007, so knew it was hard to break free from addiction. Ryan seemed to be doing well though. And…

Stick with me I always write my shopping list on a sticky notepad. In the store, I stick it to my trolley handle. It leaves my hands free for grabbing items off the shelves. Holly Jesson, Clacton, Essex Coining it in We’ve been putting £2 coins in a pot for three years to go towards my daughter Lacey’s 18th birthday. After we counted it up, there was £2,782 in total. Lacey has chosen to celebrate her 18th on the Azura cruise ship sailing around the Canary Islands, and this money has been a big help. Now to start saving for her 21st! Cheryl Waghorne, Manchester Soap opera I had several bars of unused hotel soaps lying around. So I grated them all up to make soap flakes. I use them…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What is model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen’s number one rule for dressing for a night on the town? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the six-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Husky-voiced (6) 12 Brilliant (9) 13 Metal (4) 14 Dissent (8) 15 The colour of snow (5) 16 Myth (6) 17 Personal view (7) 18 Substitution (11) 20 Own up (5) 22 Linked (9) 24 Illegal activity (5) 28 TV series about cars (3,4) 29 Stylish and graceful (7) 32 Organ of taste (6) 34 _ McGowan, impressionist and comedian (8) 36 Tiny organisms (8) 37 Robert _, actor (2,4) 39 Mothers and fathers (7) 40 Occurring immediately (7) 45 Serpent (5) 47 Necessary (9) 48 Run off to wed (5) 51 Dairy product (6,5) 53 Casual garments (1-6) 55 Not as light (6) 56 Scoundrel, rascal (5) 58 Long race (8) 59 Broad…

Treating a lip wart Q My four-year-old daughter has a long, horny wart on her lip. She’s not bothered, but it looks awful. Is it contagious and can I remove it with a cold-sore patch? Zoe, Glastonbury A Warts are caused by a virus (HPV) and can spread through touch or shared items – so, yes, they’re contagious. Most warts resolve on their own – 90% within two years in children. Cold-sore patches aren’t suitable, as they treat a different virus. Facial warts, especially filiform ones (long and thread-like), aren’t safe to treat with over-the-counter products like salicylic acid due to the risk of irritation and scarring. If the wart is growing or affecting confidence, see your GP. Private clinics may offer removal, but always check age policies and safety. Most…

Can’t stand Dad’s girlfriend Q I’ve just had a baby and I’m feeling seriously overprotective. My dad has a new partner and she’s not my kind of person at all. Her values and lifestyle are completely different to mine. I don’t want my child growing up around behaviour and beliefs that make me uncomfortable. But if I keep my baby away I’m basically cutting my dad off, too. Dawn, 29 A You can protect your child without punishing someone else, flower. You don’t have to hand them over to anyone who isn’t comfortable for you, but don’t build a wall higher than your dad can climb. Start small with short, supervised visits and at the first sign of feeling uncomfortable, leave. But please don’t push your dad away, sweetheart. One day…

Anna Roberts, 30, Rhondda Cynon Taf Holding my glass up, I gave a small smile and sipped my prosecco. ‘Happy Christmas,’ everyone cheered. It was December 2014 and I was at a family party, enjoying the first taste of booze I’d had in months. I’d given birth to my son, Ewan, back in October. But far from revelling in a blissful newborn bubble, I’d been struggling. My hubby, Richard, then 25, was hands-on, but I found it hard to bond with my boy. Even worse, I was struggling with intrusive thoughts about dropping him. I’d been diagnosed with postnatal depression and OCD and was on a waiting list for talking therapy. But now, clinking glasses and glugging my drink, I started to feel more relaxed as the alcohol seeped into…

Aries 21 March-20 April On 28 December, the Moon makes its monthly return to your sign. So set up three intentions for the coming month and take action to bring these ideas to fruition. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May If you feel like things haven’t been going your way lately, have hope as there is a new opportunity on the horizon that will answer your prayers. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June You are being guided towards something that you have been considering for a while. Be sure to notice the signs and seize the moment when all becomes clear. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July A gentle soul, you help people and want…

Q I’m looking forward to relaxing between Christmas and New Year’s Eve – can you suggest any lovely bath buys? Susanna Davies, Dorset A After a busy festive period, there’s no better way to de-stress than with some pampering treats. Start by stocking up on a bath soak like Baylis & Harding Goodness Rose & Geranium Bath Soak, £4, Boots. Simply drizzle some into a running bath and let the calming aromas of rose, geranium, amber and lemon fill your bathroom. Next, treat yourself to a wash infused with relaxing lavender to help you unwind. The Body Shop Sleep Relaxing Hair & Body Wash, £14, thebodyshop.com, is one of our favourites and can be used from head to toe. Thanks to natural ingredients like lavender and vetiver, using this before bed…

Troy Koehler had bounds of energy. He loved Sonic the Hedgehog, but his ultimate passion was reading. At school, his teachers said that once Troy had finished his assignments, he’d head to the school library. There, he’d find new stories to share with his classmates. Even at the tender age of 7, his teacher, Sheryl Reed, was convinced he’d be a leader one day. She said he lifted others up with the joy he carried and had so much potential. But Troy’s early years hadn’t been easy. He’d been fostered from a young age, until he was adopted by his foster parents, Tiffany and Jermaine Thomas, in 2019. Finally, a fresh start. And hopefully the loving forever home he deserved. But at 5.22am one morning in July 2022, Tiffany and…

Chat winners issue 38 (18 Sept 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH CA Gray, Sheffield £500 CASH J Branagan, Preston J Osborne, Kidderminster £250 CASH M Morrison, Hayling Island J Coughlin, Bolton £200 CASH E Wookey, Newport £100 CASH S Crawford, Telford A Morley, Dewsbury A Goodman, High Peak £75 CASH D Pegram, Stevenage £50 CASH S Todd, Stoke-on-Trent R Parkinson, Sheffield H Braddock, Melton Mowbray D Ansell, Dunstable C Parkin, Doncaster B Rowlands Reading £40 CASH H Jackson, Bangor £30 CASH J McManus, Bridlington C Barcroft, Thornton Cleveleys £25 CASH B Graham, Gateshead K Shipway, Peacehaven £20 CASH D Coleman, Craigavon L Woodrow, Hitchin S Gudgeon, Windermere K Mills, Leicester E Reid, Kirriemuir P Hodkin, Horley R Stewart, Porthmadog B Gillburn, Manchester A Gordon, Limavady M Woodings, Leek R Murray, Teignmouth K Mills, Leicester M Harrill, Bath M McAndrew, London D Malone, Hinckley P Nielsen, Coulsdon M Steward, Enfield V Thomas,…

Kat Ornsby, 37, Swindon, Wiltshire Sitting in the GP’s surgery, I kept my fingers crossed for some good news. It was September 2011 and my boyfriend of 10 months, Dan, then 26, and I desperately wanted a baby. We’d been trying for six months, but I had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). So now I was seeing my GP to ask about IVF. ‘Step on the scales, please,’ the doc said. Even I stifled a gasp when my weight flashed up as 18st 7lb. A size 20 and 5ft 3in, I knew I was big. Only I hadn’t realised quite how big. ‘Because you have PCOS, it is very unlikely that you’ll conceive naturally,’ he said, confirming what I already knew. ‘What about IVF?’ I asked hopefully. But when he explained…

YOU’RE THE JUDGE! Nelomie Perera was a devoted mother and wife. She’d been married to her husband Dinush Kurera for 20 years. And from anyone on the outside looking in, it seemed she had a happy life. But all wasn’t as it seemed. Over the years, Dinush had often spent periods away on business. In 2022 he flew to Sri Lanka, where he was hoping to open a hotel. But while he was there, Nelomie, then 43, received some shocking news. Her friends back in Sri Lanka revealed they’d seen Dinush, then 45, with another woman. Nelomie had suspected him of playing away before, but this time, she’d had enough. Furious, Nelomie confronted her husband over the phone. She told him she wanted a divorce. Dinush denied everything, saying it…

1 Support your sole Don’t buy shoes just because they look good. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, bunions and even nerve damage. ‘The best shoes for your feet are the ones that fit comfortably in depth, width and length according to your foot shape,’ says podiatrist Molly Chilvers, brand ambassador for Footmender All in One. ‘To reduce any friction, make sure you always wear the most appropriate socks (preferably cotton, breathable ones), tights or sports socks.’ 2 Remember to hydrate During the colder weather, it’s easy to forget to drink the recommended 1.2 litres of fluids a day. Dehydration affects your whole body, including your feet. ‘That, together with central heating being turned up during the winter months, can also contribute to dryness on the feet,’ says Molly. ‘Untreated…

Tanya Nikolova, 41 Creating a loop with my knitting needles, I smiled at my neighbour Diaka, then 80. It was 1997 and, aged 15, I’d always been an old soul in a young body. Drawn to adults more than kids my own age, I loved hanging out with Diaka. She lived just next door to me and my parents. And recently she’d been teaching me to knit. Today, I was mastering a pair of socks. ‘Those are looking top notch,’ she said, smiling at me proudly. When my dad bought me a sewing machine later that year, it was Diaka who taught me how to use it. I was in my element. Dresses, cooking aprons, PJs… I made the lot. After school, I kept up my creative streak. Even after…

Top tip Bulk out the filling with a tin of beans to help the meat stretch further. Turkey enchiladas Spice up leftover roast meat with this Mexican-inspired bake. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 35 MINS 2tbsp olive oil  1 red onion, chopped  1 red pepper, sliced  1 yellow pepper, chopped  250g leftover cooked turkey, shredded  1-2tbsp fajita seasoning  200g tin chopped tomatoes  250g tomato salsa  Handful coriander, chopped, plus extra to garnish  6 small tortilla wraps  125g soured cream  100g Cheddar, coarsely grated  1 green chilli, sliced (optional)  Lime wedges, to serve  Mashed avocado (optional) Stir in the tomatoes and 125g of the salsa, then simmer for 15 mins until cooked through. Stir in most of the coriander. Divide the mixture between wraps, rolling each as you go, and…

Nicola Riley, 34, Darwen, Lancashire Walking out of school, I smiled at my new friend Laura, then 11. ‘Fancy a McDonald’s? she asked. Grinning, I nodded. It was the summer of 2003 and I’d just moved schools. I loved netball and was part of a dance troupe. But I’d never really had proper friends, so I was chuffed Laura wanted to hang out with me. In town, we met her other pals, who introduced us to some lads in their late teens. ‘I like her,’ one said, pointing to me as we piled into his car. Just 11, I had no idea where we were going. But, swept up in the moment, I didn’t question anything. We pulled up in Whalley Range, an area I didn’t know. More older lads…

TEXT Simply text CHATB followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips Don’t put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. You can use capitals or small letters, but don’t use any commas, etc. Leave out answers you don’t wish to enter. INTERNET Join our Chat Comp Club now…

Dear Michael, In a job like yours, as head chef at the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast, you must meet new people all the time. People at the end of their lives, who are scared, worried and anxious. My mum, Karen, then 56, was like that when you first met in April 2024. But you instantly put her at ease. Unlike me, my brother Simon, then 37, and my dad Stephen, then 58, Mum was always quiet and shy. She worked as a carer until the age of 43. She’d had to give it up after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia – a condition that causes chronic pain and fatigue. She’d spend her days pottering around the garden, planting and weeding. And she loved cooking, whipping up meals like fish and…

Gemma Carrick, 49, Sunderland When making a cuppa, what comes first, tea or milk? Tea first, always, and it has to be Yorkshire Tea. It’s a family tradition. You’ve got to let the bag brew properly before the milk gets involved. Otherwise, it’s like trying to dance in wellies – clumsy and disappointing. Who is your celebrity crush? Paul Rudd. He’s got that cheeky charm, kind eyes and the sort of humour that makes you feel like you’re in on the joke. Plus, he never seems to age – I want to know his secret! What’s your favourite body part? My laughter lines. They’re proof of every belly laugh, every snort, every moment I’ve found joy in the chaos. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t wait for…

The so-called Glorious Twelfth marks the beginning of the hunting season for what variety of game in the UK? Make three nine-letter words using all of these threeletter sections and enter them in the grid as the starter letters indicate. Then make an anagram of the letters in the shaded squares to form the answer to this question. RTL BEG  OUS  RUD INE IST GES  LIM SHO WIN 5x £20 Puzzle 3 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

STYLE TIP A Fair Isle knit and metallic skirt combo creates a cosy-chic look for festive gatherings at home and beyond. STYLE TIP Don’t be afraid to mix your metallics. Simply follow the lead of a subtle print, like this blouse. STYLE TIP Want a high-end look for less? Why not rent your dress this party season instead? STYLE TIP Enhance the retro feel of this metallic set with a burgundy polo neck and sheer tights.…

Allyson Irvine, 67, Nottingham True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Snipping away at my client’s hair, I felt a headache coming on. By the time I’d finished her blow-dry, it was pounding. ‘I’m just going for a lie down,’ I told my colleague. It was February 2014 and I’d been running my salon for 29 years. My husband Alan, then 61, and I lived upstairs, and our two kids had grown up and left home. An hour later, I woke up feeling sick and dizzy, then drifted back off to sleep. Next time I woke, family and friends were gathered around me. ‘You’ve been very ill,’ a doctor said, hovering over me. I was in intensive care at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, where I’d been in a coma for three weeks. I could…

Lynn Martin, 45 Looking up and down the supermarket aisle, my eyes darted back and forth. Nobody looked familiar as I scanned the other shoppers. Aged 5, I knew my dad Doug, then 43, would be around somewhere. Then I spotted him at the till. Phew! Joining him, I started to help him load the groceries on to the conveyor belt. But as soon as he spoke to me, I realised. It wasn’t Dad. Panic rising, I looked again. Where was he? It must’ve been a minute or two, but it felt like hours until he found me. ‘There you are!’ he said. Although I didn’t recognise him, I knew it was Dad. He sounded like him and as I cuddled into him, he smelt like Dad too. So why…

3 ways to.. improve your financial fitness It may seem daunting, so break it down into smaller steps. 1 Set goals Go through your finances and create a clear budget to see how much you can realistically save toward your goals each month. Set aside time to regularly review your progress – a quick monthly check-in can help you stay motivated, make adjustments and keep your goals on track. ‘Whether you’re saving for a holiday or a house, having a plan in place to know how much you need, and by when, can keep you on track,’ says Tesco Bank’s Mamta Shanbhag. 2 Build good habits Trying to make lots of changes at once can feel overwhelming. Start small and build. ‘You can save small amounts into an emergency fund each month…

The Night Manager BBC1 ● After almost a decade, Tom Hiddleston is back as hotelier-turned-spy Jonathan Pine in a second series of the espionage thriller which follows the 2016 adaptation of John le Carré’s novel. In the six-parter, our hero is living an uneventful life under a new alias as Alex Goodwin while working as an MI6 operative managing a London surveillance team. However, after a run-in with an old adversary, he’s drawn back into action when he must infiltrate the inner circle of Colombian weapons dealer Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva), with the help of businesswoman Roxana Bolaños (Camila Morrone) and his former boss Angela Burr, played by returning star Olivia Colman. DON’T MISS DON’T MISS Run Away NETFLIX ● Following the mysteries Fool Me Once and Missing You,…