Table of contents for 18 September 2025 in Chat

You’ll have a smile at Alison’s story (p58), which sounds odd when I tell you that it’s about the death of her fiancé. Bhima passed away suddenly, five days after they got engaged. It’s clear they were true soulmates, and losing Bhima was a tragedy for her. But Alison keeps him alive through the humour they shared, and has even written a sell-out comedy show about what happened. Grief comes for us all, and we cope in different ways. It strikes me that Alison’s way is a pretty good one. Have a great week,…

Stepping into the hallway, my heart dropped to the floor. There was my dad, and in his hand was something I’d come to fear. A wooden spoon. And on it, a hand-drawn sad face. It could only mean one thing. Dad wasn’t happy with me. And I was about to bear the brunt of his anger. ‘You’re late,’ Dad spat. ‘Only five minutes,’ I stuttered. ‘I’m sorry.’ I was 10, and had just got home from school. But Dad didn’t want to hear my excuses. He was already ushering me upstairs, the spoon raised and ready to strike. As he hit me across the back of my legs, I cried in agony. ‘You’re trouble,’ Dad said, dragging me to my bedroom. ‘You always have been.’ Then he slammed my door…

What do actors Aaron Paul and Rami Malek have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the six-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 1 Nuisances (5) 4 Stinging insect (4) 6 Biblical boat (5,3) 13 Ardal _, Father Ted actor (7) 14 Root vegetable (7) 15 Tolerates or endures (5) 16 Throwing line in darts (4) 17 Refuse to notice (6) 18 Squirm (6) 20 Rodents (4) 21 Bill _, Microsoft founder (5) 22 Ronald _, former US president (6) 25 Royal daughter (8) 28 Stinging plant (6) 30 Keen (5) 32 Gather together (8) 34 Cold season (6) 35 _ Karenina, classic novel (4) 38 Stand against (6) 39 _ Kay, comedian (5) 40 Swiss city (6) 43 Songbird (4) 44 Don _, Mad Men character (6) 45 Brow (8) 48 Man who is getting married (5) 49 Metal bars (6) 51 Breed of…

Q I’m 45 years old and keep getting heartburn – a course of omeprazole hasn’t helped. They’ve now tested my stool, which shows I have H. pylori – can I get rid of it? Leanne, Preston A H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can live in your stomach. It’s common and can cause heartburn, indigestion and sometimes ulcers. It may be the reason why omeprazole, which helps to reduce acid, wasn’t successful on its own. The good news is that H. pylori can be cleared with a combination of medicines – usually two antibiotics as well as something like omeprazole to reduce acid. This is called ‘triple therapy’. Most people feel better after treatment, though it can take a few weeks. Take all the medicines exactly as you’re…

1 Skip your lunchtime sandwich At home, having a slice of toast with a topping will be just as satisfying as a sandwich, without the extra calories from the second slice of bread and butter, says nutritionist Jenna Hope. ‘Toast is more enjoyable than bread as an open sandwich, and a high-protein topping will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Houmous, egg, tuna and peanut butter are all great choices.’ 2 Fill up with fibre Have vegetables or salad at the start of your meal. ‘It will naturally slow down how quickly your body absorbs sugar from other foods,’ says health coach Steve Bennett. ‘Getting into this habit will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent those energy crashes that trigger intense cravings.’ 3 Spice it up Rely on oils and sauces to add…

Big brown eyes stared up at me, immediately stealing my heart. ‘She’s perfect,’ I said to my husband Charlie, then 30. It was late 2019, and we’d just become the proud owners of Winnie, a longhaired miniature dachshund. I’d never had a dog before, but I adored this breed. And now, bringing her home for the first time, I was obsessed. Isn’t she adorable? I wrote, sending pics to practically everyone I knew. ‘You should set up an Instagram account for her,’ my friend Annie, then 25, said. I’d never been a big social media user, but loved the idea of showing off Winnie. So I made an account. I started sharing cute pics of her enjoying life, out for walks and asleep on the sofa. As likes and shares…

Allegedly coined as part of a hoax advertising campaign, limonana is the name of a Middle Eastern lemonade flavoured with what other ingredient? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Third month (5) 4 Rascal (3) 6 Belonging to me (4) 7 Home for pigs (3) DOWN 1 City in Florida (5) 2 Destroys (5) 3 Leg joint (3) 5 Encountered (3) WIN 4 x £20 Puzzle 10 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

When Dani and Tucker first met at work, they quickly became friends. ‘We were both nurses, during Covid-19,’ Dani explains. ‘We met and became friends and got really close.’ So close that soon Tucker was starting to feel like this might lead somewhere. ‘I really started to develop feelings for her, so I thought, let’s give it a shot!’ Turned out Dani felt the same way about Tucker. And their relationship soon became serious. ‘We decided that we wanted to have kids early on,’ Dani says. Only, there was a bit of a stumbling block. ‘I’m a trans man,’ Tucker reveals, meaning he’d been registered female at birth before transitioning to male later on in his life. Recognising that they’d need a little help to get them on their journey…

Walking along the bright white sand in my new blue bikini, I felt the waves lap my sandy feet. ‘It’s paradise,’ I smiled to my partner James, then 21, as we strode hand in hand. It was the end of June 2023 and we were just a couple of days into a dream holiday in Antalya, Turkey. My first ever trip abroad, we were spending a week in a fancy five-star hotel by the beach. We’d enjoyed the first two days filling our plates in the all-inclusive restaurant and sunbathing by the pool. Now, walking along the beach on our third evening, I felt so lucky. Only, suddenly, a twinge of pain shot through my right foot. Startled, I darted out of the water towards James. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.…

Aries 21 March-20 April A motivator and leader, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take on a project that feels daunting. You’re more than capable, so seize the opportunity. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May As an Earth sign, it’s crucial to balance work with rest. If you feel you’re overdoing things, pause and consider what you need to do to take care of yourself. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June You know your idea will work out, so take the first step towards fulfilling this dream. The sky’s the limit – you can achieve all you desire one day at a time. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Make the most of Jupiter…

Q I’m looking for a change – I’d like to try a bob, but I’m not sure if it’ll suit me! Tanya Colban, West Wittering A Transitioning to something like a bob can feel like a daunting task. You can make the process less scary by opting for a long bob, which sits comfortably just above the shoulders. Ask your hairdresser to cut to the length you’re most happy with, and that will suit you best. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to keep your hair as healthy as possible by using a product like Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Dry Hair Mask, £8.99, Boots, which deeply nourishes dry strands and gives a healthy shine. Or keep your freshly cut ends looking their best with a hair…

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S taring at the doctor in disbelief, I had to hold back tears. ‘I’m sorry, what?’ I said, my voice trembling. ‘Your son will have a difficult life. Are you certain you want to keep him?’ the doctor repeated. I was so shocked I couldn’t get my words out. It was September 2012, and I’d just given birth to my first child, Nikita. He’d been a longed-for baby, and I’d sailed through pregnancy. My scans hadn’t revealed any causes of concern. My husband and I had been so excited about our new arrival. And Nikita’s birth had been smooth too. But now, just a few hours after welcoming him into the world, it had all flipped upside down. Not only had I been told my boy had Down’s syndrome, but…

Just the tonic? Q My mum often complains of leg cramps and drinks tonic water, which she believes helps, but she still has issues at night. What else could she try? Aimee, Grantham A While tonic water contains quinine, there’s little evidence that it works for preventing cramps. Supportive shoes may help reduce cramps, while gentle stretching, warm baths and massaging the cramping muscle can also relieve discomfort. She should also make sure she stays hydrated by drinking enough water and avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Some sources suggest mineral deficiencies may cause cramps, but evidence for supplements like magnesium and vitamin B complexes is mixed. If her cramps are continuing or getting worse, it’s worth visiting her doctor to check if there are any underlying issues. During her appointment,…

As the TikTok live stream disconnected, I sighed with relief. Phew, I thought. It was March 2023 and I’d just appeared as a guest speaker on an influencer’s video, debating religion and other topics I was passionate about. I was always on social media but it was the first time I’d done anything like that. I’d been nervous but was so proud of myself. Then, just as I was packing my laptop away, a private message popped up. You spoke so well! it said. I clicked on the sender’s profile, someone called Peyton. Zooming in on his profile pic, he was handsome with beautiful blue eyes and a kind smile. Thanks! It was my first time, I wrote back. Seconds later, another message appeared… You’re really pretty. I blushed. I…

Combing the hair on her dolly’s head, my daughter Minnie, then 3, looked up at me and beamed. ‘She needs a haircut Mummy,’ she giggled, tugging the comb through a tangled knot. ‘I think you’re right,’ I laughed. Then, as I glanced across the room at my husband Alex, then 35, he nodded. It was time. ‘Minnie,’ I began, taking a deep breath. ‘You know how dolly needs a haircut, well, Mummy might have her hair chopped off too. In fact, it might fall out.’ ‘Why?’ she frowned. ‘Mummy has a poorly booby,’ I continued. It was July 2022 and I’d just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’d noticed a lump in my left breast years ago. I’d been told that it was a benign cyst. Then, when Minnie was…

Cheat's chicken satay Using peanut butter to make this quick sauce tastes much better than a shop-bought alternative. SERVES 4 PREP 5 MINS COOK 9 MINS 1 cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded, cut into half-moons ½ red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped 3tbsp apple-cider vinegar or rice-wine vinegar 2tbsp soy sauce 2tsp caster sugar 500g skinless, boneless chicken-thigh fillets 2 cooked rice pouches (we used a coconut-and-lime flavoured one) 4 roasted peppers from a jar, sliced 1 spring onion, sliced lengthways FOR THE SATAY SAUCE: 3tbsp smooth peanut butter 1tbsp soy sauce 1tsp dark brown sugar 1tbsp fish sauce 165ml coconut milk 1 Combine the cucumber, chilli, vinegar, soy and sugar in a bowl, then set aside. Heat the grill to high. 2 Put the ingredients for the satay sauce in a…

Lifting my son up in the air, my date looked at me and winked. ‘Come on,’ he said to my little boy, then 1. ‘Let’s find the tigers.’ It was July 2022 and me and Joshua, then 23, had been seeing each other for a few months. We’d met on a dating app. Caring and kind, he worked in Asda and was the manager at a charity shop too. Brilliant with my son from a previous relationship as well. Now we were all at Colchester Zoo, enjoying a day out, just the three of us. And as Joshua carried my boy around, chatting away to him about all the animals, my heart just melted. He’s a good ’un, I thought. Later, as we stood watching some more animals, Joshua slid…

PS… Lilac Lip Gloss £3, Primark Treat your pout to a veil of highshine gloss with this bargain buy. Bursting with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, this not only gives a hint of pinky colour, but also hydrates at the same time. Wear alone or team with your fave pink-toned lipstick and liner for a plump and shiny look. Barry M Sheer Strength Hardening Nail Paint in Sheer Delight, £4.49 Want to give your nails a break from gels? Then you must try this nail polish, which is packed with hexanal to harden and strengthen your damaged and weak nails. The gorgeous pop of purple colour is ideal for transitioning out of summer and into autumn, while still caring for the health of your nails, too!…

Chat winners issue 25 (19 June 2025) £1,001 CASH C Walker, Newcastle-uponTyne £500 CASH LJ Mackie, Northampton F Light, Alton £250 CASH E Smith, Brough J Tunstall, Market Drayton £200 CASH J Boyle, Glasgow £100 CASH J Thomson, Stratford-upon-Avon A Sawyer, Chester C Valentine, Wisbech £75 CASH R Martin, Portsmouth £50 CASH G Moonsopp, Sunderland P Roberts, Bala C Stanway, Barnet N Rigby, Lichfield A Harris, Abergavenny F Bonelli, Royston £40 CASH G Hopwood, Newcastle £30 CASH R Smith, High Wycombe L Noonan, Darwen Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £25 CASH G Roberts-Tolen, Liverpool J Hughes, Wisbech £20 CASH M Pidgley, Poole S Labrum, Grantham K Cannon, Ardrossan F Carey, Bexhill-on-Sea S Strange, Ripley R Leppard, Edenbridge G Phillips, Birmingham D McKee, Durham S Hey, Bingley…

If you could be famous for one thing, what would you choose? I don’t have any wild aspirations but I’d love to be famous for being a great mum. I’ve got 5-year-old twins, Lochlan and Maximus, who I adore. Although parenting isn’t easy, I’d hope people would say I did a good job! What was the last book you read? I don’t get much chance to read these days. The last book I read for myself was Too Close to Home by Linwood Barclay and I’m now on to Hide by Nell Pattison. However, as a teacher and a mum, I read children’s books daily. I’m currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the twins. Who’s your best friend? Claire. We’ve known each other since we were babies and…

What type of birds belong to the genus Fratercula, from the Latin for friar? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer’s in. We’ve put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Male astronaut 3 Young dog Urge into motion 5 Harsh grating noise More _ Words, 1991 single by Extreme 7 Insurgent Single digit number 9 New York borough Your answer:…

STYLE TIP Pair a cosy knit with a satin skirt for a chic look that will effortlessly take you from day to night. STYLE TIP Leopard-pattern jeans aren’t going anywhere. Let them be the focal point and team with an understated top. STYLE TIP Add interest to a simple outfit with accessories. They’re an easy and cost-effective way to try a new trend. STYLE TIP A printed chiffon skirt can be dressed up or down. Offset a relaxed tee with smart shoes and a bag.…

N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, sometimes abbreviated to APAP, is the full chemical name of the compound commonly known as what in the UK? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Ruin = SOIL + P = SPOIL. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2 × £25 Puzzle 9 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

He loves footy more than me Q My boyfriend is lovely but completely obsessed with football. He watches every match, talks about it constantly, and plans everything around the fixtures. I’m starting to feel invisible. I feel like I’m second place to a load of sweaty men kicking a ball. Do I sound petty or is this a real problem? Debs, 47 A I hate to break it to you, flower, but you’ve been benched. You’re playing reserve to a sport and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel like the star striker! Sit him down away from the footy and tell him you miss him, pet. Plan a date day together, something far away from a screen or a muddy pitch. He’ll soon remember there’s room in his life…

3 ways to… Boost your credit score Our advice will get yours in tip-top shape. 1 Take action When you apply for credit, such as a mortgage or a loan, the lender will check your credit report as part of the process of deciding whether to lend or not. What’s contained in it can also determine how much you can borrow and the interest rate you’ll pay. There are three main credit-reference agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – and they’ll each hold a credit report on you, so check them all. Get your free Equifax report at clearscore.com, your free TransUnion credit report at creditkarma.co.uk, while at experian.co.uk, you can get your credit score and order a statutory credit report for free that will give a basic view of your…

Coldwater ITV1 ● Andrew Lincoln stars in this six-part thriller set in the fictional Scottish town of Coldwater. The Walking Dead star plays stay-at-home dad John, who moves from London with his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) and kids to the rural idyll for a fresh start. Once there, John befriends his neighbour Tommy (Ewen Bremner), who’s charming, confident, a pillar of the community and the devoted husband of vicar Rebecca (Eve Myles). But he’s hiding some horrifying secrets, and after a series of unsettling incidents, it’s not long before John begins to wonder who the real Tommy is… DON’T MISS DON’T MISS Rob and Rylan's Passage to India BBC2 ● Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark set off for another adventure following last year’s BAFTA-winning Grand Tour, which saw the pair…

Discover Summer Blooms Eau de Toilette, £10, M&S Hold on to that summer feeling with this affordable, sunshiney fragrance packed with magnolia, coconut and jasmine. It’s crisp – and so moreish. Q+A Heat Protect All-in-one Spray, £10.95, qandaskin.com One bottle with 13 amazing benefits, including protecting against heat, pollution and breakage, plus giving a boost to shine, softness and strength -this is your one-step solution. Revolution Rose Baking Powder, £6.99, revolutionbeauty.com If you suffer from oily skin, a baking powder like this will serve you well. Working to absorb excess oils, it mattifies, sets make-up and brightens. Take your pick from six different powders, to suit your skin tones and needs. E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Clean Freak Daily Cleanser, £10, Boots Want a hydrating daily cleanser that doesn’t strip your…