Table of contents for 5 June 2025 in Chat

Welcome to this week’s Chat… Fascinating story on p10. Bridget wed a man, who was kind, funny and sexy. But the first time he dropped his trews, she was in for a bit of a shock. Let’s just say she mentions a cucumber. To give you an idea, we investigated other things that size, and turns out a copy of Chat magazine is pretty close. Crikey! As for Bridget, is she a lucky lady to be married to such a well-endowed fella? It has its ups and downs… Have a great week,…

Fiona Namusoke, 42, Luton Watching my son Ash feeding his brother, I was so proud. Although Ash, then 9, was a year younger, Raayan was severely autistic. Now, in 2016, he’d become non-verbal and couldn’t do much for himself. But Ash adored his brother. He’d feed him, play with him, even taught him to count. They had their own way of communicating. As a single mum and full-time carer for Raayan, I often wondered what we’d do without Ash. He also loved swimming and basketball, playing guitar and listening to R&B. And he was great with computers. ‘Mum, that’s a scam,’ he told me whenever I got sent a deal that looked too good to be true. Seeing how bad I was with technology made him want to help others.…

What a soup-er idea When I couldn’t find a vase, I raided my recycling and came back with a soup tin. The plan was to keep my flowers in the tin until I could find a vase but the more I looked at them, the more I liked them. Now they stand in my kitchen rocking an Andy Warhol vibe! Jennie Gardner, Bath Buttoned up I always button my duvet cover up before I put it in the washing machine. It stops sheets and pillow cases getting tangled inside. Kirsty McLean, Hull Power plant Create a simple but stunning light feature in your house or garden by popping battery lights in your pot plants. So easy to do and it looks lovely at night! Rachel Steel, Derby £25 For every…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 Actor Nick Offerman says that he would do what in order to appear in Doctor Who? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Curved yellow fruit (6) 12 Little by little (9) 13 Little devils (4) 14 Entire (8) 15 _Starr, Beatles drummer (5) 16 Bill_, comedian (6) 17 Word with the same meaning (7) 18 _Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral (11) 20 Welcome (5) 22 Removes one’s clothes (9) 24 Make changes to fit in (5) 28 Pudding (7) 29 South American country (7) 32 Country whose capital is Ottawa (6) 34 Make estranged or cut off (8) 36 City in Nevada (3,5) 37 English county (6) 39 Place of higher…

Diet for diabetes Q I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes – is it true that I can reverse this through fasting? Mel, Bolton A Yes, some studies suggest that fasting may help manage or even reverse type 2 diabetes for some people. Fasting can improve how your body uses insulin, which is important for lowering blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss. To support your body’s insulin use, it’s helpful to reach a healthy weight, exercise regularly and reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake. By combining intermittent fasting with healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible that your diabetes will go into remission and your blood sugar will return to normal without medication. However, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to discuss any major dietary changes with…

Bex Hainsworth, 36, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire All I’d ever wanted was to be a mum. So when I fell pregnant in July 2019, it was the best news. I’d already been through so much. Five years earlier, at 26, I’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. My right boob had been removed, I’d had six weeks of gruelling chemo, then radiotherapy and had lost my long brown hair. Through it all, I held on to my dream of starting a family with my husband Ashley, then 32. I’d had my eggs harvested before treatment. Now, after one round of IVF, it was happening. ‘We’re having a baby,’ I squealed to Ashley. He picked me up and spun me around, giddy with excitement. Nothing could burst my baby bubble. Not even when…

Devante Claridge, 32, Didcot On the way home from picking up my little sister from school, I listened for a moment before stepping in the road. It was winter 2016 and already getting dark. Suddenly, tyres were screeching, a horn beeping. Protectively, I put my arm in front of my sister. Turned my head as a car came into focus, skidding to a stop just metres away. Heart pounding, I waved an apology to the driver. No one was hurt, but I felt so shaken. I hadn’t seen the car coming at all. When I was 8 I’d been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative condition that causes tunnel vision. With no cure, doctors had warned my mum that I’d eventually lose my sight completely. But I refused to believe…

Chicken schnitzel Thai curry The crispy meat is next level in this simple dinner. SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 20 MINS ● 400g skinless chicken breast fillets ● 3tbsp plain flour ● 1 medium free range egg, beaten ● 150g panko breadcrumbs ● 50g desiccated coconut ● 6tbsp sunflower oil ● 350g jar Thai green curry sauce ● Rice noodles, to serve ● Chopped peanuts, shredded spring onions, chopped coriander and fresh coconut slices, for the topping 1 Put the chicken between baking paper and bash with a rolling pin. Slice into strips. 2 Put the flour and beaten egg into separate bowls. Mix the breadcrumbs and coconut together and put on a plate. Dip each strip in the flour, the egg, then the breadcrumbs. 3 Heat the oil in…

Aries 21 March-20 April With Venus and Saturn in Aries, you’re a force to be reckoned with. Speak up and commit to what you want in the future for your love life and career. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May You’re hard-working and ambitious, but even you need a break sometimes. Make it your priority to take some time out to relax and reflect on the year so far. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With the Sun and Mercury both in your sign, it enables you to look at a situation objectively. This will be helpful for you and also those close to you. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July If you feel like…

Q How do I get rid of the red bumps on the backs of my arms? Sharon Lambert, 54, Banbury A You’re not alone! According to the British Skin Foundation, 40% of adults experience keratosis pilaris, those little red, rough-feeling bumps caused by excessive amounts of keratin that get trapped in hair follicles. It’s particularly common on the backs of the upper arms. Avoid super-scratchy body scrubs, and instead look for chemical exfoliators with skin-sloughing ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid to gently smooth problem areas. Boots Dermacare KP Exfoliating Cream, £16.50, Boots, is enriched with 10% glycolic acid to improve bumpy skin in a few weeks. The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, £15, uk.inkeylist.com, comes in a handy stick to smooth goosebumps. Urea’s another proven ingredient,…

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…

1 Less fatigue Sugar-packed products can give us a quick burst of energy, however, this is quickly followed by a crash when our blood sugar levels drop. ‘This can lead to fatigue, irritability and reduced concentration,’ says GP and senior clinical advisor Dr Donald Grant*. Opt for foods that provide a steady energy release, such as whole grains and protein-rich foods, including chicken, fish, beans and lentils. 2 A brighter smile Sugary food and drinks increase the acidity level in our mouths, which gradually erodes the protective layer of enamel on our teeth. ‘Over time, this can lead to cavities and, if left untreated, may contribute to more serious conditions such as gum disease,’ says Dr Grant. Cutting back on sugar and practising good oral hygiene – brushing twice a day…

WIN 2 × £25 Puzzle 9 The Orb mark is the official certification stamped on what textile? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Strangle = COKE + H = CHOKE. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. Strangle Instruct Track Act suggestively European country Glass pyramid Pricked or wounded Exchanges Tranquillity Runs lazily Gameplaying deck Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

J.Lo Love don’t cost a thing, and neither does bed and board for this chancer. In 2013, guards patrolling Jennifer Lopez’s posh property in the Hamptons, New York, didn’t notice a 49-year-old ex-firefighter sneak into her back garden. After bedding down in her plush pool house for a full week, he even uploaded pics to Facebook before finally being spotted by workers. He was arrested and charged with burglary, stalking, possessing burglary tools and criminal contempt. Luckily, the singer wasn’t at home at the time. Brad Pitt In 1999, Athena Marie Rolando, then 19, broke into heartthrob Brad Pitt’s Hollywood home through an open window. Once inside, she dressed herself in Brad’s clothes and got into his bed. When a housekeeper discovered her under the covers, 10 hours later, the…

Is my girl on drugs? Q I think my adult daughter is taking drugs. She disappears for weeks at a time and when I do see her, her behaviour is erratic. I’ve tried talking to her and she says it’s nothing to do with me. I know her boyfriend takes drugs and I’m scared he’s got her hooked too. What do I do? Lily, 53 A I feel for you both, petal. Even when your kids are all grown up, you want to keep them happy and healthy. Addiction is a beast and not something you can fix on your own. Get guidance from charities, helplines and addiction services. You can love her but can’t support her destruction, and don’t enable her, flower. Keep loving her, and let her know…

3 Ways to.. save Water Cutting your water usage can save you money off your bills and it’s better for the environment too… 1 Shorter showers People aged 18 to 28 shower for 12 minutes 24 seconds on average, while over-55s only shower for an average of five minutes 18 seconds, according to new research by uswitch.com. By cutting the length of your shower – Energy Saving Trust recommends trying to keep it to just four minutes – you can cut your energy bills and water bills, if metered, especially if someone in your house likes a long shower! Plus, if you replace your inefficient shower head with a water-efficient one, controlling the flow, you can save money too. Find more information at energysavingtrust.org.uk. 2 Fill ’em up Always ensure your washing…

Lucy Buxton, 35, Derby Combing my long hair, I smiled when another face appeared in the mirror behind me. My boyfriend Kevin, then 28. ‘Never change,’ he whispered, smiling. It was August 2010 and, aged 21, I’d been dating Kev a few months. Recently I’d moved in with him, and I liked having him around. Only, sometimes he was around a bit too much. ‘I’ll come with you,’ he said, grabbing his jacket as I headed out to meet mates. I didn’t have the heart to tell him no, but nobody else’s boyfriend would be there. So awkward. Kev stuck to me like glue, though. Even when I was just running errands. ‘Just keeping you safe,’ he’d say, hovering beside me at the cash machine. Only, when we’d been together…

Susan Quin, 58, from Powys When making a cuppa, what comes first, tea or milk? I usually put a teabag in the cup, pour on the hot water and then add milk. I don’t use a teapot these days. But when growing up as part of a big family we always made it in a proper teapot. What can you do really well? I’m good at cooking, even though I don’t enjoy it. I learnt to type when I was 16 and got distinctions for my speed and accuracy. But if you asked my partner Richard what I’m good at, he’d say moaning about the same thing 20 times! Do you have a favourite book? No, I don’t read much. But years ago, I read Flowers in the Attic by…

What term is used for an organiser of Henley Royal Regatta, a Masonic lodge officer and a voluntary organiser in a Methodist church? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell the prize answer. Your answer: WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Insolvent (8) 2 Material for lighting fires (6) 3 Standing (10) 4 Mother-of-pearl (5) 5 Capital of the Canadian province of Alberta (8) 6 Loud (5) 7 Colour of cowardice (6) 8 Alice’s Adventures in _, by Lewis Carroll (10) 9 Scalp condition (8) 10 Area of shorter grass on a golf course (7) 11 Show tiredness (4) 12 Person next door (9) 13 Football team demotion (10) 14 First-century Roman Emperor (4) 15 Abundant,…

ONE-SHOULDER STYLE TIP Asymmetric swimsuits naturally draw attention to the collarbone, so they are perfect for drawing eyes upward and balancing wider hips. RUFFLE DETAILS STYLE TIP Ruffles can give the illusion of more volume in areas that may be straighter or smaller, and can add curves around the bust area, too, if you need a boost. WAIST ENHANCING STYLE TIP Clever optical prints or belted styles will create a flattering silhouette by slimming your mid-section and defining the waist. FROM £14 WRAP STYLE TIP For a fail-safe flattering shape, opt for a wrap style. The V-shaped neckline slims the upper body and suits bigger busts, while ruching around the tummy tames lumps and bumps.…

Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p4. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Lorna Ridgway, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire WIN 5 × £20 Puzzle 6 ACROSS 1 White ice flakes that fall to the ground 2 Intense feelings of deep affection 3 Class of vertebrates consisting of birds 4 Where ships load or unload DOWN 1 Hit or strike with hand 2 Latin word for new 3 Extending directly up from 4 Where sun sets at the equinoxes Your answer:…

As she peers into the big double buggy, 19-year-old Maddie’s two children are lovingly tucked under knitted blankets and sleeping peacefully. But while 18-month-old Ophelia wakes up, smiling and babbling, baby Forrest remains fast asleep. Because, despite his perfect features and tiny button nose, Forrest isn’t real. Maddie, who was 18 when Ophelia was born, has a strong maternal side. ‘I’ve always loved babies,’ she says. So falling pregnant at such a young age was something she only ever felt excited about. And her mum Rachel is supportive. ‘You [were] made to be a mum,’ she tells Maddie. ‘Right from the age of 2, she was obsessed with babies!’ Rachel adds. ‘She’s always had dolls, but they’ve always been called babies.’ When Ophelia was born, Maddie’s dream of becoming a…

Holly Lewis-Vale, 35, Bridgnorth, Shropshire From the racks of baby clothes, I picked out an adorable button-down shirt. ‘This is perfect,’ I said to my husband Jamie, then 30. It was June 2020 and, with our baby boy Gunner, then 7 months, growing quickly, we’d popped to the shops to get him some bits in the next size up. Only, our little lad had a big head! Unless there were buttons on his clothes, I often struggled to get them on. Still, Gunner was a gorgeous, happy boy. Always smiling, he loved his grub and was hitting his milestones. Smiling, rolling, crawling. And he adored his big sister Daisy, then 3. But as the months passed, Gunner’s big head got bigger. His forehead was really starting to protrude. His belly…

In May 1999, a teenage girl walked into a Hong Kong police station. Ah Fong, just 14, trembled as she told police that for weeks she had been haunted by the ghost of a woman. The ghost, she said, had been bound by electrical wires, tortured and left to die. At first, the police dismissed Ah Fong, put her story down to teenage nonsense. Until she made a horrific revelation. She told officers that the ghost she was seeing was a woman who she’d helped to torture. Was this more than a scary story? Police followed Ah Fong to a third-floor flat in Hong Kong’s Kowloon district. And there they made a sickening discovery. Inside the flat, stuffed into a large Hello Kitty mermaid doll, was a severed head. In…

Chat winners issue 10 (6 March 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH L Aubury, Norwich £500 CASH N Ward, Herne Bay M Richardson, Heathfield £250 CASH I Dootson, London A Cameron, Dunfermline £200 CASH F Fox, Blackburn £100 CASH A Howorth, Runcorn J Herbert, London G Brown, Annan £75 CASH K Rowe, Erith £50 CASH P Pettet, Stamford GS Sutcliff, Chesterfield M Hartis, Chesterle-Street M Laye, Norwich J Giles, Northampton M Bacon, Rotherham £40 CASH C Small, Liverpool £30 CASH P Daglish, Axminster E Foxcroft, Harwich £25 CASH L Gadie, Hull S Bullen, Cleckheaton £20 CASH G Davies, Walsall K Whitchurch, Bristol E Pond, Preston J Eyre, Nottingham K Scott, Rugeley B Gillburn, Manchester S Hackett, Scunthorpe S Clough, Rotherham A Philpott, Lewes D Boulton,…