Table of contents for 22 May 2025 in Chat

Weight-loss jabs are big news at the moment. While there’s a lot of debate about them, Emily’s story on p23 shows they can be a force for good. She’d battled with her weight since she was a teenage cheerleader but ended up at 25st with type 2 diabetes. Using the drugs has left her healthier, happier and more confident. If science can help people like Emily live their best lives, to me, surely that’s a good thing? We’d love to hear from folks who have tried these jabs – write and let us know!…

Weaving between the trees, I giggled as my mum Rania, then 25, did her best to chase me. ‘Got you,’ she said, scooping me up. It was January 2013 and, aged 9, I was playing hideand-seek in the woods with Mum, my brother, then 7, and my 3-year-old sister. My parents had moved to the UK from Syria when Mum was pregnant with me. In search of a better life. Beautiful and clever, Mum studied English at college. My dad Ahmed, then 36, worked for a takeaway shop. As a family, we went on trips to the beach or to local farms to see the animals. But despite my happy childhood, I often heard raised voices behind Mum and Dad’s bedroom door. They tried to hide it but I knew…

What literary form is associated with French author Jean de la Fontaine and Russian author Ivan Krylov? Make three nine-letter words using all of these three-letter 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. ECT RDS MSO IMP KEY  PLI ERF BOA LLS WIN 5 x £20 Puzzle 3 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

George at Asda Sizes from 6-24 STYLE TIP Printed staples will bring your wardrobe to life. Opt for a flattering midi dress that’ll skim rather than cling. F&F at Tesco Sizes from 6-22 STYLE TIP Mix earthy tones and linen textures for elevated outfit combinations that look super luxe without breaking the bank. Tu at Sainsbury's Sizes from 6-26 STYLE TIP Don’t be afraid to try new colour combos and patterns. Pops of red and leopard will add a playful touch to any look. Nutmeg at Morrisons Sizes from 8-22 STYLE TIP Fill your holiday suitcase with buys that work around the clock. A versatile co-ord can be glammed up come cocktail hour.…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Staring at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes focused on the angry red spot that had appeared overnight, right in the middle of my chin. It was 2018 and, aged 16, it felt like the worst thing that could’ve happened to me. ‘It’s sore,’ I moaned to my mum Alena. ‘It’ll clear up,’ she said. ‘My skin used to be terrible.’ You’d never know. Now, her complexion was radiant. Just as quickly as my first spot had come up, another erupted. Followed by another. And another. Painful pus-filled pimples covered my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. So unsightly. Scrubs, face washes and skin-clearing masks only seemed to aggravate things. ‘I don’t know what to do,’ I cried to Mum. ‘You’ll grow out of it,’ she reassured…

She's a monster-in-law Q My mother-in-law attacks everything I do. In her eyes, I can’t cook, can’t clean, can’t raise my kids right – and my husband does nothing to defend me. It’s got to the point where I won’t be in the same room as her. All I want is my husband to stand up to her! Caroline, 51 A Don’t be cross but I do feel for your hubby, being stuck in the middle. But expecting him to defend you is not too much to ask. Tell him to ask his mum to give her ‘feedback’ to him and leave you out of it. If that doesn’t work, try killing the rudeness with kindness. When your mum-in-law starts, nod, smile and bite your tongue, petal. Her opinion isn’t…

3 ways to… make money 'for nothing' Net some easy cash flogging things you no longer need. Here’s how! 1 Cash in old mobiles The average UK household is sitting on over £218 worth of unwanted mobile phones, according to new research from Virgin Media O2. So if you’ve got old handsets you don’t need any more, then don’t let them sit around collecting dust. The sooner you sell them, the more money you’re likely to get. There are different ways you can sell an old mobile: you could try flogging it yourself on eBay, or if you’re after a new mobile phone, you can see how much you could get for your old one by trading it in. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that take old phones and give you…

Q+A Vitamin C Body Scrub, £10, Holland & Barrett Prep your body for summer with the help of this vitamin C-infused body scrub. Working to remove dead skin, it produces a bright and buffed body in no time. Palmer's Shimmer Radiance Body Oil, £10.99, Superdrug Stock up on this gorgeous body shimmer ahead of your summer holiday or to accentuate a golden glow. It’s packed with nourishing oils to keep skin hydrated and plump. Byoma Ultralight Facial Fluid SPF 50, £14.99, byoma.com Arriving just in time for the warmer weather, this new SPF does it all. Not only does it protect against sun damage, it also soothes, hydrates and boosts radiance. Lacura Plumping Face Cream, £6.99, Aldi Looking for soft, supple and seriously nourished skin? Give this new plumping face…

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Why does dancer Louie Spence say that The Jump was his favourite reality TV show to appear on? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the sevenword prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 11 Place to see films (6) 12 Brilliant (9) 13 Pale red colour (4) 14 Music or video tape (8) 15 The matter at hand (5) 16 Take on loan (6) 17 Grand house (7) 18 Adds pictures to (11) 20 ‘Doing’ words (5) 22 Disciples or supporters (9) 24 Bryan _, singer (5) 28 Light winds (7) 29 Customers (7) 32 Greek goddess of wisdom (6) 34 Non-professionals (8) 36 Artist, _ da Vinci (8) 37 English county (6) 39 Museum official (7) 40 Brochure (7) 45 _ House, novel by Charles Dickens (5) 47 Teaching (9) 48 Facial hair (5) 51 Luckily (11) 53 Broad streets (7) 55 Dog house (6) 56…

I'm pooing out of the wrong hole Q I’m 65 years old and in the past few months I’ve had faeces leaking from my vagina. I’m so embarrassed and it’s getting worse. Ellen, Shepperton A I’m sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like a rectovaginal fistula, a small opening between the rectum (where poo is stored) and vagina. This can happen after childbirth or surgery, or with conditions like Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, and causes stool or gas to leak into the vagina. Please don’t suffer in silence – this is a medical issue and doctors deal with it all the time. A check-up and some tests can help find the cause, and treatment (often surgery) can fix it. In the meantime, keeping the area clean and eating plenty…

1 Climbing the stairs Walking up and down the stairs repeatedly will not only get your heart pumping but also engage muscles in your legs, core and arms. Try to stay in the centre of the stair to stop yourself reaching for the handrail (if it’s safe to do so). With nothing to hang on to, you’ll use more muscles to help you climb. You’ll be surprised how effective it is. 2 Skipping Not just for the playground, a skipping session works the whole body. You’ll get fitter, shape up your shoulders, arms and legs, and boost your bone health. Try to land lightly on your toes, instead of putting your heels down – you’ll skip faster and burn more calories. Turning the rope from the wrist, not the elbow, will give you…

'I don't want to see a ghost, it's the sight I fear the most, I'd rather eat a piee of toast' In her 1998 hit single, Life, songstress Des’ree sounds like she’s hoping pesky poltergeists will be scared off by a slice of Hovis slathered in jam. You’d butter hope so, Des! 'I am the eggman, they are the eggmen, I am the walrus, goo goo g’joob' The Beatles set the standard for modern pop writing, but what’s the bizarre reference to eggmen and goo goos in 1967’s I Am The Walrus? John Lennon revealed the lines were inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass. So we can all just let it be. 'Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball' Judging by the words to Champagne Supernova, released…

Hands on hips, head turning from side to side, my daughter Freya, then 3, was singing her heart out. ‘Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Lala, Po!’ she chimed at her baby brother Ezra, as he giggled in his high chair. Ever since he’d been born seven months earlier and I’d placed him in her lap, Freya had been besotted. ‘Can I bath him?’ she asked every night. Fetching nappies, giving him endless cuddles. Some days I worried that she’d squeeze him too tight as she wrapped her arms around him. ‘Be careful,’ I warned, as she snuggled her head against him. Ezra loved Teletubbies, and now, in April 2024, Freya was cheering him up singing the theme tune. He had yet another bug, this time an ear infection. For months now, it’d…

Aries 21 March-20 April With Venus in your sign all month, you’ll feel more inclined to make a positive change in the areas of love and finance. Go for what you truly desire. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May With Mercury and the Sun both in your sign right now, you can communicate more easily than normal to others and be heard. So decide what you need to say. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With Jupiter at the last few degrees of your sign, luck is on your side. Enjoy yourself because it will be another 12 years before this planet returns to Gemini. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Find fresh ways to…

Q How do I apply bronzer? Sandra Hudson, Wiltshire A When applied correctly, bronzer can give you an authentic-looking glow. But it can feel overwhelming knowing which formula to buy and where to apply it. Start off by figuring out your skin type. If you have dry skin, then a cream bronzer will serve you best. Morphe Sun & Done Smooth-Gliding Bronzer Stick, £12, uk.morphe.com, is a blendable formula that glides onto skin. Apply to the bridge of your nose, cheeks, temples, and anywhere the sun would naturally kiss, and blend with a brush. This will add natural-looking warmth with the added bonus of sculpting your face. If you have oily skin then a powder will be better. We love Rimmel London Natural Bronzer, £6.99, Boots, which adds a gorgeous glow…

If you could only eat one thing forever, what would it be? I absolutely love fish, so I’d be happy eating seafood for the rest of my life. Fresh-grilled fish, prawns or crab along with chips or crunchy bread and salad. What’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever received? I was really flattered when someone told me that I have a nice complexion, which was lovely. It really boosted my confidence. Have you done anything you’re really proud of? Yes, I’m proud of setting up a community group last October, when I was unwell. It’s called the Scunthorpe Lovely Ladies group, and I wanted to bring women in my area together. We meet up for regular coffee afternoons, craft sessions and parties, and it’s been a lifeline for so many women,…

Which Greek letter was associated with death in the ancient world, used to indicate a vote for the death penalty? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Clothes fastener (6) 2 Longing for the past (9) 3 Continent (9) 4 _ Warhol, artist (4) 5 Egg part (4) 6 Small falcon (7) 7 Marine safety structure (10) 8 Listen in (9) 9 Ceremonial procession (6) 10 Everything _ All at Once, 2022 film (10) 11 Reverberation (4) 12 Brockman family sitcom (11) 13 Athletic contest comprising 10 events (9) 14 Fund of money saved (4,3) 15 Bill _, US entrepreneur (5) 16 Father Christmas (5) Your answer:…

Standing on the basketball court, I scanned the room for help. I saw someone who seemed to know everyone; one of the coaches, I assumed. ‘Which wheelchair should I use?’ I asked him. ‘Dunno,’ he replied, shrugging his shoulders and wheeling himself away down the court. Charming! It was October 2021 and I was at Loughborough University’s wheelchair basketball try-outs. And while I may not have been in a wheelchair that day, I often needed one. Born with a club foot, I’d been racked with pain for years. As a child, I’d worn splints and been unable to walk long distances because of the lack of leg muscle. Over the years, I’d had four surgeries to lengthen my Achilles tendon, which was too short. Still, I’d pushed myself. I’d wanted…

A new year had just dawned when Rebecca Hogue arrived home, exhausted. It was the early hours of 1 January 2020. Rebecca, then 28, had done a 12-hour cocktailwaitressing shift at a casino. She climbed into bed beside her boyfriend Christopher Trent, 38, and her son Jeremiah – known as Ryder – who was 2. Both of them were sleeping soundly. Exhausted, Rebecca went straight to sleep. Next morning, when she woke up, she realised something. Ryder wasn’t breathing. Christopher had left for work. Panicking, Rebecca called the police. When emergency services arrived, they found the young mum doing CPR on her son. But it was in vain. After the toddler was rushed to hospital, he was pronounced dead. A terrible tragedy. Rebecca called Christopher and begged him to meet…

Q I've been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. What medical treatments are available? Meg, Preston A Treatment for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically involves medication, psychological therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Stimulant medications are often prescribed to improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviour. If these aren’t effective, there are non-stimulant options to try. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is frequently used to help manage the symptoms, improve coping strategies and enhance organisational skills. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise, plenty of sleep and a structured routine, will help too. Your GP or a specialist will tailor the treatment to your needs and may also recommend peer support groups or ADHD coaching.…

My red, white and blue cheerleader outfit was straining at the seams and I felt a stab of nerves. It was 2004 and, aged 13, I’d made the school squad. Incredible. But, lined up with my team members, I realised something. They were all skinny. At 8st I wasn’t exactly fat, but I was still bigger than my teammates. Next to their slim frames, my puppy fat stuck out like a sore thumb. Even worse, they were all wearing a skimpy two-piece uniform to show off their toned tums. While I’d opted for the one-piece to hide my tubby belly. The girls were kind to me and I loved learning the routines. Even if I did feel like my wobbly bits were jiggling as I bounced around with my pom-poms.…

Tuna pesto pasta salad This comes together from the store cupboard in a few mins and travels well, too. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 10 MINS ● 200g wholewheat pasta ● 150g green beans, trimmed and halved ● 1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks ● 2 × 110g tins tuna chunks in olive oil (reserve the oil for the dressing) ● 40g rocket ● ½ red onion, sliced into thin wedges For the dressing: ● ½ bunch each dill and basil, roughly chopped ● 1tsp wholegrain mustard ● 30g mixed nuts and/or seeds, toasted and chopped, plus extra to garnish ● 6 pitted green olives ● 2tbsp olive oil ● 1tbsp apple cider or white wine vinegar 1 Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions. Add the…

 A bag of hot food on my back, I weaved in and out of traffic. Hearing my phone buzz in my pocket, I eventually came to a stop, slamming the brakes on the electric scooter. Laughed out loud when I saw the text. Now you’re 18, we can talk, it said. I rolled my eyes, scooted off to my next address. It was December 2021 and I was delivering food around Birmingham part-time while studying business at college. Months earlier, I’d been catching a bus home after a night out when I’d got chatting to Ingus, then 21. Tall and good-looking, he asked for my number. Only, after learning I was 17, he said I was too young. ‘I’ll be in touch when you’re 18,’ he’d winked. I’d almost completely…

Gem Skin-Loving Deodorant in Coconut Vanilla, £4, Boots Deodorant is never the most exciting beauty product, but thanks to this new launch, you can finally get excited about your body care. Packed with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamin E, it hydrates the skin while offering all-day sweat protection. Smelling just like a summer dream, this one is scented with coconut and vanilla. PS… Hydrating Whip Face Moisturiser, £3.50, Primark Thanks to the clever whipped formula, this daily moisturiser is light as a feather and absorbs immediately. Powered by a skin-loving blend of niacinamide to balance tone, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate, this bargain buy cares for your skin. Use every day to boost radiance, nourish and keep skin looking its best.…

Flames burnt orange and bright, licking higher and higher. Wildfire was spreading through bushes and trees. Forest fires were common under the hot sun in Robinson, Texas. So when the report of a blaze came in, on 5 April 2023, officers knew they needed to act quickly. Only, arriving at the scene, they were met with a yappy little labradoodle. Despite his cute appearance, with curly white hair and a button nose, he was barking frantically. Refused to leave the area. Then, as the fire was brought under control, the officers made a shocking discovery. A body, burned beyond recognition. Something horrific had happened. But it wasn’t clear who this person was. Or why they’d ended up dead. Police tried to capture the dog, but he wouldn’t let them. Stood…

Chat winners issue 8 (20 Feb 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH S Plumstead, Oxford £500 CASH A Walker, Castleford C Lloyd, Leeds £250 CASH D Twigg, Sheffield L Schofield, Runcorn £200 CASH B Ashby, Middlesbrough £100 CASH H Banks, Stafford M Spooner, Ipswich C Jones, Oldham £75 CASH E Mullally, Liverpool £50 CASH C Jones, Landudno J Harrison, Derby G McMullen, Jersey K Robinson, Sheffield M Paynter, Kingsbridge G Wade, Stoke-on-Trent £40 CASH M Bosworth, Northampton £30 CASH E Farren, Egremont J Palmer, Gloucester £25 CASH T Nixon, Whitley Bay L Seal, Bridgnorth £20 CASH P Williams, Warwick J Flowers, Hull C Powell, Blackpool L Nesbit, Eastbourne P Gill, Pevensey T Lawton, Hyde S Dowell, Carlisle T Butcher, Farnborough R Whyte, Wolverhampton J…

Dear Tim, We’d only just met on a night out in November 1999, when you offered to walk me home. And as we chatted, we just clicked. I finished your sentences, you finished mine. In time you came to love my kids, Lindsey, then 10, and Tom, 6, like they were your own. We had so much fun. Spontaneous trips to the local arcade, playing bingo. The kids loved your cooking way more than mine. After we married in 2002, we were happier than ever. But all that changed in October 2005. You’d been driving Lindsey to school. Late as usual. But Lindsey, then 16, soon called me in hysterics from the car. ‘I think Tim’s dead,’ she sobbed. Thankfully, she was wrong. Still, the news wasn’t good. You’d had…