Table of contents for 23 October 2025 in Chat

Welcome to this week’s Chat… Some heroes wear capes, others wear high-vis jackets. This week, we’ve got one of the latter. Devonian Dermot was beyond fed up with potholes blighting his beautiful local area and damaging his work truck, so he decided to get stuck in and start filling them in (p23). Now, 800 potholes later, Dermot has more than earned his place as one of our brilliant Chat Local Legends. And he does it all for nothing more than a free cup of tea. Dermot, if you fancy heading up my way, I’ll get the kettle on… Have a great week,…

Turning the lava lamp on in my bedroom, I went to the window to pull the curtains. Aged 10, it was nearly my bedtime – I had to get up early for school the next day. As I looked out of the window on to the dark street, I could see a light on in the house opposite. And gazing out of his living-room window, right up at me, was our neighbour Ian, then 32. Quickly pulling the curtains shut, I shuddered. Ian was a bus driver and I often spotted him coming home from work in his uniform. Only, several times now, I’d caught him staring up at my window. It gave me the creeps. A few months later, in August 2000, Ian was at it again. Getting ready…

Clutching the microphone, my daughter Estelle belted out her favourite song. ‘Near, far, wherever you are…’ It was 1997. Aged just 3, Estelle’s favourite song was My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Pitch perfect on our home karaoke machine, she was performing for me, my husband, Iain, then 27, and her brothers Scott, 9, Jamie, 7, and baby Kieran. ‘Encore,’ I cheered when she finished. As the years went on, she carried on singing. We were all big country and western fans. ‘Dolly Parton or Garth Brooks?’ Estelle would grin when it was her turn on the karaoke machine. By 17, Estelle had an agent and was performing in pubs and clubs. After leaving school, she got a full-time admin job alongside gigs. Then, in early 2017, aged…

Nothing made Jessie Blodgett happier than musical theatre. At a young age, she’d started learning to play the piano. She loved singing, dancing and acting, and dreamt of a future in music. So when she’d met Daniel Bartelt at school in Hartford, Wisconsin, they’d clicked. He shared the same interests and they became close friends. He was a regular at the Blodgett home, with Jessie’s parents fond of the lad they called Dan. He and Jessie had sung together in the school choir, starred alongside each other in plays. Even dated for a while, and stayed friends after they split. The pair wrote songs together and posted a video on YouTube performing a duet. And in the summer of 2013, Jessie, then 19, was thrilled to land a role in…

Too late to have a baby? Q I’m 45 and haven’t had children. My periods are still regular – could I get pregnant naturally? Eve, St Albans A It’s possible to get pregnant naturally at 45, especially if your periods are regular, but it is less likely. Fertility drops with age because the number and quality of eggs decreases. The chance of getting pregnant each month is low – less than 5% – and the risk of miscarriage or complications is higher. That said, many women conceive naturally or with help. If you’re trying, speak to your GP early – they can check hormone levels and refer you to a fertility specialist. Take preconception vitamins like folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3 to ensure you’re in the best health before…

Watched over Q Every time I go to my boyfriend’s mum’s house, I feel like I’m in a shrine to his ex. There’s photos of them on the mantelpiece, in the hallway, even one in the kitchen. I’ve told him it makes me uncomfortable, but he just shrugs. It’s hard to relax when his ex is staring at me from different frames. Do I tell her to bin them? Tammy, 29 A Your fella isn’t trying to be cruel. He probably doesn’t even notice it. Approach it gently, pet. Make a joke of it, how funny it is to be slurping a cuppa when she’s staring at you. Don’t make demands. Don’t make demands. And remember – at the end of the day he’s with you, not the lass in…

3 ways to … get organised Put your financial house in order then reap the rewards. 1 Track spending Knowing exactly where your money is being spent can be a big motivator for saving. Start by going through your finances to see how much you have coming in each month, then note where it’s going and where you can cut back. Seeing the figures in black and white may motivate you to make changes – for example, if you know how much you’re spending on takeaways each week, you might find them much less tempting. You can keep track of spending manually, or there are free apps such as Snoop (snoop. app) to help you track your spending and set budgets. 2 Go automatic If you want to save money but find it hard,…

Sipping a latte, I tried to ignore the feeling in my tummy. It was a long time since I’d been on a first date, and I felt nervous. Thankfully Jason, then 29, put me at ease. We’d met on a dating site and chatted for a few weeks before he’d asked me out. Now, meeting up for coffee in February 2018, Jason fixed his bright-blue eyes on me. ‘Tell me all about yourself,’ he smiled. So friendly, I found myself opening up about my divorce. ‘Sounds tough,’ he sympathised. So kind. Thankfully, my tales of woe didn’t put him off. ‘I want to see you again,’ he grinned. Over the next few days, he took me to a free museum and to a park, which I thought was sweet. We…

Q Do I need to use a hair mask? How often should I use it? Shannon Parker, Loughborough A Many people think hair masks are just glorified conditioners, but while they share some of the same benefits, hair masks are far superior. Designed to tackle a variety of issues, they come to the aid of damaged, frizzy, thinning and frazzled strands. They can be used a couple of times a week instead of your normal conditioner, to supercharge the benefits of the one you’ve chosen for your specific hair type or concern. Choose Faith in Nature Rosemary Hair Mask, £8, ocado.com, if you suffer from fine or thinning hair. It’s packed with rosemary oil, which, when left on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, stimulates growth while detoxing and nourishing. If…

Dear Stef, Lots of couples talk about love at first sight, but for us it was more of a slow burn. Not that I didn’t fancy you when we met in a London bar in October 2024. I thought you were hot! But I was already in a relationship at the time. Besides, I was out with my mates and focused on having a good time. But I’m sociable and chatty, and our friendship groups got talking. It was clear you were used to people knowing who you are. ‘I’m Mr Tinder,’ you said proudly. ‘Who?’ I replied, a bit confused. Having never used dating apps, I didn’t have the foggiest! Turns out that Tinder had told you that more users had swiped right for you than anyone else on…

SCARVES STYLE TIP Layer a long scarf over your coat and cinch it at the waist with a belt for a sculpted and stylish autumnal look. GLOVES STYLE TIP Choose gloves in a pop of colour or an interesting texture. These small touches will elevate even the simplest of winter coats. KITTEN-HEEL BOOTS STYLE TIP These boots are comfy enough for all-day wear while adding some extra height. Make sure hems sit at ankle length for a sleek finish. FROM £6 SLOUCHY TOTES STYLE TIP Pick soft fabrics in neutral tones to pair with everything from oversized knits to tailored coats.…

CREEPY COBWEBS SPOOKY WELCOME SCARY SCENE…

When Michele fell pregnant as a young teenager, she was told she’d amount to nothing. ‘I was 13 years old when I gave birth to Alecia,’ Michele explains. ‘As a pregnant teenager I was judged so much. I was told I had destroyed my life. ‘It didn’t help me do anything but strive to be a better person and prove people wrong.’ So after giving birth, she returned to school, studying hard to get straight As. ‘The baby was relying on me to get an education and improve myself,’ she says. And she did just that. But it wasn’t long before Michele fell pregnant again. Aged 19, she gave birth to her second daughter, Arianna, followed by Addyson two years later, making her a mum of three by the age…

My tummy rumbled as I stared at the plate of mince and potatoes. Aged 11, in October 1992, I was hungry. Only, instead of grabbing my knife and fork, familiar feelings simmered. Anxiety, blended with a big dollop of nausea. I’m not going to be able to eat this, I panicked. But it wasn’t my mum Kathleen’s cooking that was the problem. My dad, Dessie, 37, and big brothers Harry, then 16, and Jonathon, then 14, were already tucking in. But the smell of piping-hot gravy, meat and vegetables made me retch. ‘I can’t eat it,’ I sighed, pushing the plate away. I’d been a picky eater since I was tiny. Mum frowned, but she’d gotten used to me turning down her food. She just wanted me to eat something…

PS… Skin Hyaluronic Acid Jelly Face Cleanser, £4.50, Primark A good-quality cleanser is one of the most important products in your skincare routine, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost loads of money. This affordable option is infused with hyaluronic acid, which deeply nourishes and plumps your complexion when used each day. The lightweight jelly formula is lovely and refreshing, and leaves your skin deliciously soft and supple. BeautyPro Warming Eye Mask, £3, Sainsbury's After a long day of looking at a screen, treat your tired eyes to a soothing and calming heated eye mask. Ideal for helping you unwind and drift off into a deep slumber at bedtime – or even better for use on a long-haul flight -these heated eye masks are a musthave for soothing dry…

What do you have on your chips? I like to put mayonnaise on chips. But my favourite type of chips are cheesy chips. What era of history would you visit, if you could? Victorian times. I’ve researched a lot of my family tree, and there were some quite naughty ancestors from that era – so I would love to meet them! Where’s your dream holiday destination? Australia, for the same reason as my choice of era. Some ancestors emigrated there. I’d like to retrace their steps, but on a quicker route than they were able to take! Do you have a favourite flavour of ice cream? Creamy vanilla. My absolute favourite is Cornish ice cream. It always tastes so much better by the sea. What’s your ‘go to’ karaoke song?…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 If Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen had a superpower, what would it be? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 US island state (6) 12 Central American country (9) 13 _ Shearer, former footballer (4) 14 Graveyard (8) 15 Restriction (5) 16 Mix of red and blue (6) 17 Absence of noise (7) 18 Stranger Things star (6,5) 20 Colour of snow (5) 22 Device for carrying injured people (9) 24 Clan (5) 28 Bragged (7) 29 Bird found in Antarctica (7) 32 _ Bonham Carter, actor (6) 34 Follows instructions (8) 36 Has faith (8) 37 Runs away to get married (6) 39 Person who loves their country (7) 40 _ Boys, musical duo whose hits include Go West (3,4) 45 Culinary plants (5) 47 Card game for one person (9) 48 Underground plant parts…

Q Lately, I feel lightheaded when I get up too quickly. It passes, but it’s happening more. Should I be worried? Geri, Southampton A This could be postural hypotension, where blood pressure drops briefly when you stand up, causing dizziness or light-headedness. It’s quite common and often harmless, especially if you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while, or are dehydrated or feeling tired. It can also be linked to certain medications, anaemia, conditions such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or heart issues. Stand up slowly, especially first thing in the morning, and drink fluids regularly. Don’t skip meals, and cut caffeine or alcohol intake. If dizziness becomes frequent, lasts longer or you’ve fainted, see your GP. They may check your blood pressure, review medications and run…

1 Wake up and walk A 10-minute burst of exercise can improve concentration and alertness, according to research – so getting out early is the ideal start to your day. ‘You’ll release endorphins, the hormones that boost your mood, and put you in an energised state,’ says nutritionist and wellbeing consultant Emma Thornton from avogel.co.uk. 2 Use your senses Certain smells – like lemon and eucalyptus – are known for their energising properties. Even cutting a fresh lemon can be uplifting, or invest in essential oils you can use in a diffuser. ‘Energising scents work best in short, sharp bursts, rather than wafting out of your diffuser all day long,’ says Emma. ‘Use your ears, too. Many sports enthusiasts swear by motivating playlists to keep their energy levels up.’ Search for the ‘100 Most…

A smooth, flat pebble skimmed across the sea, and I watched as it bounced on the water’s surface. ‘One, two, three…’ the boys counted in unison, as my dad, David, then 63, quickly scrambled around looking for another stone. ‘You’re such a big kid, Dad,’ I laughed. But it warmed my heart seeing him play with his grandsons, Tristin, then 9, and Archie, 5. Tristin had been 2 when I’d met his dad, Callum, then 25, back in 2016. Since then, Archie had come along, and Dad loved being a grandad to both of the boys. We all lived near the coast, and they’d sit on the beach for hours, spotting boats as he told them stories about his time in the Navy. ‘I served 23 years,’ he said proudly,…

As my daughters Poppy, 9, and Florence, 5, ran up the stairs, a tiny patter of feet followed them. ‘Don’t make a mess up there, you three,’ I called after them. Seconds later, I could hear them playing in Poppy’s room. The sound of giggles echoed down the stairs. Followed by a bark. Woody, our cavapoo, was like a cheeky little brother to the girls. Me and my husband Sam, then 29, had got him for Poppy for her 9th birthday in November 2022. Since then, he’d slotted right into our family. In July 2023, on our annual holiday to Cornwall, I loved seeing him run along the beach chasing Poppy and Florence. ‘Couldn’t imagine life without our fluffball now,’ I laughed to Sam. In September we spoilt Woody on…

Top tip Stir some crushed garlic and chopped mint into the yogurt for a fresh tzatziki flavour. Pepper and griddled halloumi burgers Using pre-roasted peppers makes this a superspeedy meal. SERVES 2 PREP 15 MINS COOK 5 MINS 250g halloumi, cut into 4 slices 1 roasted red pepper from a jar, sliced 100ml natural yogurt 25g mint, chopped Handful rocket leaves 2 ciabatta rolls, halved and toasted 2tbsp olive oil 1 Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat. Add the halloumi and cook for 2 mins on each side, until charred. Remove from the pan, and add the red pepper. Cook for 2 mins to heat through. 2 Mix the natural yogurt and chopped mint together. 3 Drizzle the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls with olive oil, and…

Aries 21 March-20 April With Saturn, planet of responsibility, retrograding back through your sign over recent months, this has been a time of reflection. Take time to make big decisions. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Everything is falling into place for you right now in a way that you could never have imagined. Roll with the good times and expect the best for yourself. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Notice the thoughts and ideas that are coming to you at the moment because they are answered prayers. If it feels right and there’s a flow, then go with it. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Ruled by the Moon, you’re particularly sensitive to…

NYX Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn, £7.99, Superdrug Coming in 12 flattering shades, this vegan lip balm keeps your pout nourished and plump while providing a blurred, matte finish that looks just like a lipstick. E45 Intensive Barrier Repair Cream, £10.99, Boots Designed with sensitivae and eczema-prone skin in mind, this gentle face cream promises up to 72 hours’ worth of hydration thanks to ceramides, fatty acids and glycerin. No7 Pro Artist Luxe Powder Blusher in Rose, £14.95, Boots Give yourself a naturallooking flush thanks to this subtle powder blusher. Load up some of the gorgeous pink pigment onto a brush and sweep over cheeks for a pop of colour. Sundae Mood Board Body Mist, £15, Sainsbury's Take your pick from six wearable body mists that not…

Chatting away and smiling into the camera, Habibur Masum, 25, was in his element. His YouTube channel, where he posted videos about his life, only had 102 subscribers. But that didn’t stop him wanting to become a ‘daddy influencer’. The university graduate and his new wife, Kulsuma Akter, 26, were expecting their first child. Habibur liked to film content of himself preparing for the birth. One vid was him assembling a cot. With a voiceover commentary, he sped up its unboxing, then skipped through the written instructions before giving a hands-on demo of how to put the cot together. In another vid, he was seen shopping for babywear in a high-street clothing store. To anyone watching his videos, it looked like Habibur was an excited dad-to-be. And a dedicated partner,…

Chat winners issue 30 (24 July 2025) £1,001 CASH M Harrington, Shepton Mallet £500 CASH L Rose, Redditch H Cooper, Rutland £250 CASH D Brown, Malmesbury D Patterson, Wallsend £200 CASH T Roberts, Llangefni £100 CASH J Trueman, Spalding K Newby, Middlesbrough S Greenslade, Swansea £75 CASH D Hora, Worcester Park £50 CASH J Wallace, Aldershot M Norris, Alresford E Mason, Tamworth B McClymont, Liverpool H Hare, Hull C Evans Walsall £40 CASH G Smith, Newcastleupon-Tyne £30 CASH G Dodd, Stonehaven J Thomas, Oldbury Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £25 CASH C Baldwin, Warrington R Barter, Spalding £20 CASH Y McPhillips, Sutton Coldfield B Smith, Rochester A Griffiths, Deeside H Brown, Chatham D Clark, Thirsk C Talbot, Leeds L Stables, Skegness C Taylor, Ardrossan M Crutcher,…