Table of contents for 20 November 2025 in Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… You may have noticed that we're total suckers for an animal story here at Chat. This week, get ready to meet Nala the boxer and her best bud Bolt, a German shepherd cross (p30). Their human, Suzie, shares their amazing bond after Nala was struck down with a painful condition that changed her life forever. Bolt stepped up and showed that it's not only people who need a friend from time to time. And a total star of a very different kind is our latest Local Legend Alice, who is busy helping new mums in her area (p23). Have a great week,…

Admiring the handiwork of my boyfriend's latest project, I was impressed. A beautiful wardrobe, perfect for all of my clothes. Along with his laid-back nature and love of sushi, Ben's DIY skills were one of the things that made me fall for him. ‘I love it,’ I told him, putting down the last of my boxes. It was February 2024, and I'd only known Ben, then 31, for eight months after meeting online. But moving into his one-bed first-floor flat in south-west London just felt so right. ‘Don't hog all the covers,’ he joked now. Ben's flat was small but cosy. A perfect love nest for the two of us. Days later, on my way back from my marketing job, I walked past the woman who lived in the flat…

Cracking idea I made these decorative Christmas nutcracker figures to welcome guests every December. I cut them out from two large round posts and four thinner posts. Then I used screws, wood glue and dowels for fixing the arms and hand-painted them. I'm not a carpenter so if I can make them, anyone can! Cheryl Barwell, Leiston, Suffolk Good egg My granddaughters love dippy eggs. But when I cut soldiers and they dipped them in, most of the yolk ran down the side. I started cutting the toast into thin wedges, which they can dip point-first and catch all of the yummy yolk. Patricia Cordon, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire £25 For every photo tip that we print Flasked crusader As an avid tea drinker, I was disappointed when the self-catering holiday cottage…

Actor Daniel Radcliffe says that which classic novel has positively shaped him? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to reveal the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Yells (6) 12 Four-sided shape (9) 13 Back of the foot (4) 14 Navigating (8) 15 Creature that is said to laugh (5) 16 Overseas (6) 17 Extremely large (7) 18 Peter Pan's enemy (7,4) 20 Use one's mind (5) 22 Barbra _, singer and actor (9) 24 Transparent (5) 28 Count _, a vampire (7) 29 European country (7) 32 Giant woody grass (6) 34 Breed of dog (8) 36 Extinct reptile (8) 37 Hug (6) 39 Expressed gratitude (7) 40 Planet that is closest to the Sun (7) 45 Enraged (5) 47 _ Dogs, film directed by Quentin Tarantino (9) 48 Good _, TV series starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen (5) 51 Breed of terrier (4,7) 53 World's…

Q I've been getting really bad bloating after meals, especially when I eat bread or pasta. Sometimes I feel nauseous or get diarrhoea. I've heard about gluten intolerance and coeliac disease – is that it? Natasha, Guilford A Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten damages the gut lining. Your GP can arrange a blood test to check for coeliac antibodies, but keep eating gluten regularly before the test – otherwise, the results might not be accurate. If the test is positive, you'll be referred for an endoscopy, which is a simple procedure where a thin tube with a camera is passed into your stomach to look at the gut lining and confirm the diagnosis. If coeliac disease is confirmed, your GP may also refer you to a dietitian.…

1 Keep drinking Hydration is really important. It can help your immune system to function, and it also helps thin the mucus that's produced, says pharmacist Deborah Grayson. ‘Having a temperature can increase your need for fluids, so drinking plenty of water and warm teas can really help.’ 2 Inhale steam Blocked nose keeping you awake? When you lie down, gravity no longer helps mucus drain away from your nasal passages, causing it to pool. Plus, being horizontal can increase blood flow to your head and face, potentially causing swelling and further congestion. Try steam inhalation – it can reduce recovery time, found a study. Heat water (don't let it boil), place your face about 20-30cm above the steam, close your eyes and breathe deeply for five minutes; or try a hot shower. Then blow…

Plopping on the sofa, I settled in for the evening with my boy Dylan, then 9. ‘What's on TV?’ I asked him. ‘Bear Grylls,’ he grinned. Dylan loved survival shows, especially those with the former SAS trooper in them. Now, watching Celebrity Island, I was on the edge of my seat as he put stars through their paces in the wilderness. It was August 2017, I was a single mum, with my eldest children Daniel, then 31, Sarah, 26, and Timothy, 25, having flown the nest. After working all day on a farm, I'd often cosy up with Dylan in front of the telly. A couple of months later, in October 2017, he was off school and I had a day off work. ‘Fancy an adventure?’ I asked, on a…

Top tip If you don't mind some more cals, you can swap out the smoked mackerel for classic bacon lardons. Lighter carbonara This is a healthier version of the creamy Italian fave, with extra omega-3 for a brain boost. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 10 MINS 350g penne pasta 125g frozen peas 1tsp olive oil 1 large garlic clove, sliced 70g smoked fish, drained (we used tinned mackerel)  3 medium free-range egg yolks 30g half-fat soft cheese 40g Parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve Small bunch fresh chives, snipped, to serve 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions, adding the peas for the last few minutes. Drain, reserving 50-100ml of the pasta water; set aside. 2 Meanwhile, add…

Aries 21 March-20 April As a Fire sign, you do love to rush ahead with your plans. However, perhaps consider that you need to take your time making an important decision. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May There have been many changes for you this year, some of which have been a pleasant surprise. So, hold onto an expectation that your vision will materialise. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June There could well be a move on the horizon for you, be that to a new home or even place of employment. Breathe and embrace the changes coming your way. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July If a particular idea has been repeatedly coming to…

Q Do lash serums really work? My eyelashes look so much shorter than they used to! Sandra Jones, 50, Basildon AJust like the hair on our heads, our eyelashes can thin with age as the growth cycle shortens. Even seemingly innocent things we do on a daily basis, like wearing mascara and rubbing our eyes to remove make-up at the end of the day, can have an impact on the length and strength of our eyelashes. This is why lash serums are brilliant. They've got ingredients like peptides, keratin and caffeine that help spur on healthy growth. Groa Lash Serum, £20, Boots, is powered by pea peptide, cica and green tea extract to create the perfect environment for healthy lash growth. On a budget? Try Catrice Caffeine Kick Lash &…

Mavala Urban Glam Nail Colour in Jasper, £6.40, nailpolishdirect.com We're calling it – burgundy is going to be the nail colour of the season. This bold, rich and glossy shade looks elegant on every skin tone, and works whether nails are long or short. Fruity Pumpkin Spice Candle, £10, Superdrug Nothing says ‘winter’ like snuggling up to enjoy the flickering flame and warm aroma of a scented candle. This one is the epitome of the season, with its cosy blend of pumpkin and spice. Avon Attraction Instinct For Her Eau de Parfum, £17, avon.uk.com Infused with aphrodisiac ingredients like juicy strawberry, red orchid and vanilla, this long-lasting scent has an alluring effect that will make you feel more confident in a few spritzes. Method Peace + Petals Volumising Shampoo and…

Waving her kids off to school on a spring morning in 1998, Arlene Fraser, then 33, had no idea it was for the last time. A devoted mum, Arlene adored her son Jamie, 10, and daughter Natalie, 5. Happy and confident, she also loved a girls’ night with her mates. But Arlene's smile was hiding the misery of a broken marriage. A month earlier, she and her husband of 11 years, Nat, then 39, had separated. Fruit and veg seller Nat was upset. He didn't want a divorce. Only, Arlene had started proceedings after he'd lashed out at her, attacking her in their home. She also suspected Nat had been recording her phone calls, stalking her. ‘If you are not going to live with me, you will not be living…

Chat winners issue 34 (21 August 2025) £1,001 CASH S Markey, Upminster £500 CASH D Stevens, London J Archard, Caterham £250 CASH D Batchelor, Pulborough F Tomlinson, Bradford £200 CASH J Harland, Oldham £100 CASH T Highland, Preston M Smith, Mansfield M Bew, Liverpool £75 CASH F Meadows, Wellingborough £50 CASH D Wadley, Gloucester A Guillaume, Hull A Calland, Liverpool L Roche, Tyldesley M Buchan, Peterhead U Hunt, Skipton £40 CASH G Hutton, Sudbury £30 CASH K Symons, Kirkcaldy A Orchard, Tamworth £25 CASH E Harrison, Southampton D Lee, Norwich Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH R Martin, Portsmouth S Kaniuk, Rochdale M Wigley, Derby C Mallon, Manchester C Frost, Mablethorpe C Haigh, Ossett P Meakin, Manchester M Lawrence, Doncaster R Hunter, Chesterfield J Brent, Hunstanton B Motley, Northampton J Saunders, Chatteris K Foote, Aylesbury J Dewbery, Cromer M Terry, Bournemouth C Taylor, Sheffield S Laing, Glasgow J Curran, Gillingham D Lewis, Port Talbot B…

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Hanging up the phone to my sister Katie, I joined my boys James, then 8, and George, 6, doing a jigsaw on the lounge floor. ‘Who wants to try cartwheels at Aunty Katie's tomorrow?’ I asked, huddling beside them. ‘Me!’ James grinned, his younger brother nodding too. It was August 2023 and me, the boys and their 3-month-old baby brother Robin would be spending some time with Katie, then 40, and her kids. Discussing plans for the day with her, I'd jokingly suggested cartwheels. Me and Katie had done gymnastics as kids. Back then, we'd spent hours in our parents’ garden practising our handstands and cartwheels. But three decades had passed since then! The last time I'd even attempted a cartwheel was 10 years, three kids and a couple of…

Being part of a team had always been important to 17-year-old James McGrath. Known as Jimmy to his friends and family, the high school student attended Fairfield College Preparatory in Fairfield, Connecticut. He played lacrosse and football, and his dedication and loyalty made him popular among teammates. With a big heart and positive outlook on life, he spread happiness wherever he went. At home, he lived with his parents Kevin and Margaret, and his big sister Rosie, who was his best friend. He brought sunshine to their family. Until one fateful night… On 14 May 2022, Jimmy was at a house party in Shelton, about 17 miles from Fairfield. Alcohol was flowing. More than 50 people arrived. And what started as harmless fun quickly got out of control. Fatal wound…

Period pain misery Q I've had painful periods for years, but now the pain is constant – even between cycles – and it spreads to my legs. My GP mentioned endometriosis, but said it's hard to diagnose. What is it? Gemma, London A Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, causing inflammation, pain and – sometimes – fertility problems. It's much more than just ‘bad periods’. It's true that getting a diagnosis can be tricky. A laparoscopy – a small surgery where doctors use a tiny camera to look inside your pelvis – is the only way to confirm it, but because it's an invasive procedure, we often go by symptoms first. The goal is to reduce bleeding, since that's when symptoms flare,…

Why doesn't hubby fancy me? Q My husband never compliments me. No matter how much effort I put into looking nice, he just shrugs and tells me it wasn't my looks he married me for. It's so frustrating. I know he loves me but I want to feel fancied, too. I like to look my best, and do my hair and make-up, but often wonder why I bothered. Am I asking for too much? Di, 36 A You're not asking for enough! It's not vanity to want your husband to want you. Being loved for your soul is beautiful but feeling desired is important, too. Spell out to hubby that you'd like him to compliment you more. Leave no room for misunderstanding. Each time he does, thank him. He'll soon…

3 Ways to… to earn extra dosh Get a cash boost for the festive season with our tips. 1 Reap in rent Earning some extra money at this time of year can be handy – plus, if you keep it up, you'll start the new year in better financial shape. One way to do this is by renting things out. If you've got a spare room, you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free by letting it out using the government's Rent a Room scheme (gov.uk/rent-room-in-your-home). This is halved if you share the income with someone else. But there's lots to consider first – you can find more info in the Getting a Lodger guide at citizensadvice.org.uk. Or could you net easy cash by renting out your parking space? You'll…

I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! ITV1 ● It's back to the Australian jungle for a new series of the reality show with Ant and Dec once again hosting the daily goings-on in the celeb-filled camp. This year's contestants will face more terrifying bushtucker trials as they look to follow last year's winner McFly's Danny Jones as King or Queen of the Jungle. Rumoured campmates this year include Emmerdale's Lisa Riley, comedian Ruby Wax and former England footballer Alex Scott. Look out for ITV2's companion show I'm A Celebrity: Unpacked with hosts Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers. DON'T MISS DON'T MISS The Death of Bunny Munro SKY ATLANTIC ● Based on the novel by rock star Nick Cave, this six-part drama stars The Crown and Doctor Who actor Matt Smith…

Staring at the girl in front of me, my mouth dropped open. She was my doppelganger! The same nose, curved mouth, dark hair and dark eyes. ‘Hi, I'm Cassidy,’ she said, sticking her hand out. ‘It's like looking in a mirror,’ I laughed. It was January 2015, the beginning of a new term. Cassidy, then 14, had just transferred to our school and, although she was three years younger, we quickly became besties, sharing lip gloss, doing athletics together. ‘Are you sure you're not sisters?’ friends joked. ‘Maybe in another life,’ I grinned. Weeks later, I snapped a selfie with Cassidy. ‘Smile,’ I said, as we pouted into my phone. Back home, I showed the photo to my mum, Lavona, then 51, and dad, Michael, then 48. ‘Look how similar…

Lacura Shimmer Setting Spray, £4.49, Aldi It's party season, which means your make-up has to go the distance from office to out, panto to party. Finish off your look with a veil of this setting spray to lock everything in place, leaving your complexion with a flattering radiant finish. It hits stores on the 23rd, so throw it in your basket while you can! PS… Melt Away Cleansing Balm, £4, Primark If your skin freaks out in winter, give it a hug with a rich, creamy cleansing balm. The silky formula melts away dirt, make-up and pollution to leave skin comfortably clean, without feeling dry, tight or stripped. It's infused with hyaluronic acid to keep skin plump and peachy.…

Dear Jeffery, Lots of people dream about finding the love of their life. But in 2021, I lost mine and thought I'd never find true love again. Al and I met when I was 18. We got married in 2004 and our son Morgan arrived in July 2005. Life was busy with me working in HR and Al in dairy manufacturing. But it was full of love and happy times. Years flew by. Then in May 2021 we'd just been out for a lovely meal when Al began suffering chest pains and sickness. By the next afternoon, when he could barely move off the sofa, I called an ambulance. Paramedics rushed him to hospital while I followed in my car. When I arrived, a nurse explained that Al had suffered…

Do you have a pet? Yes, I have a golden retriever called Daisy Mae. She's 4 but she's acting like a puppy again at the moment. After she recently recovered from anaemia, we're lucky to have her so I'm not complaining! What's your favourite takeaway order? I love a Chinese takeaway. My favourite is sweet and sour chicken with fried rice. It's what I always order. Can you remember the first music single or album you ever bought? It was Anyone Who Had a Heart by Cilla Black. I can even tell you the year I bought it. It was 1964, when I was 10. WE PAY £50 to everyone we feature on this page! Are you a sweet or savoury person? I've got a sweet tooth. I can't say no…

What word connects a baseball stadium in San Francisco and the largest shopping centre in Reading? 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 one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 Your answer: 1 Moral saying (7) 2 Curved flat wooden missile (9) 3 Very hard stone (7) 4 Under a spell (9) 5 North _, Bismarck's state (6) 6 Chief navy commander (7) 7 Quiet song for babies (7) 8 _ Bear, picnic-obsessed cartoon character (4) 9 Everlasting life (11) 10Japanese currency unit (3) 11 Active by night (9) 12Midday meal (5) 13Roman emperor known in Britain for his wall (7) 14One who directs the course of a car (9) 15Caught _, apprehended in the act (3-6) 16Car fuel (6)…

KNITWEAR STYLE TIP From an all-over bow motif to subtle feminine embellishment, you can dress up or down a cosy knit. Team with a fauxleather midi skirt. BAGS STYLE TIP Make a statement with a chic bag that adds glamour and elevates the classic look of jeans and a blazer. SHOES STYLE TIP Prefer plain shoes to prints? A bold, playful pair is the perfect way to dip into the trend without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. DRESSES FROM £14 STYLE TIP Let the bow detail make an impact on its own and opt for minimal and simple accessories so you don't overload the look.…

From the moment they were born, identical twins Petunia and Pediah did everything together. They dressed the same, even ate the same food. And when they got older and started dating, they quickly realised they had the same taste in men, too. Whenever either of them got a boyfriend, they'd always end up fancying each other's bloke. Eventually, they came to a realisation. ‘Maybe we like the same thing,’ Pediah says. ‘So let's just go for it!’ From that moment on, the two women decided they'd date the same man. But first, they had to find a fella who'd be up for the arrangement. Then, on holiday three years ago, they spotted Themba. ‘It was actually love at first sight,’ Petunia says. Themba offered to buy them an ice cream,…

With the bottle in my hands, I gave it a big squeeze. As the delicious, thick, brown liquid oozed out over my plate of chips, I licked my lips. ‘Can't beat a good dash of brown sauce,’ I thought. The problem was, it wasn't just a dash… My chips were practically swimming in the stuff! I'd been showering my meals with extra calories I loved it though, scoffed every morsel. It was September 2021, and brown sauce had become a staple in my diet. I slathered it on everything, from bacon butties to pasta and pizza. Just couldn't get enough. The lashings of sauce were adding to an ever-growing problem, though… My weight. Back in 2005 I'd been a healthy size 14. Then at the age of 23 I'd met…