Table of contents for 04-Oct-2018 in Chat

Boys and their toys, eh? But Kelly’s gamer hubby was doing more than fighting zombies when he spent his nights glued to the computer… (p6) Emily’s story about her poorly little girl shows how sometimes it pays to refuse to take no for an answer (p42). Also, Lily shares how a terrifying turn of events made her realise her boyfriend wasn’t all he seemed (p36). Plus, we’ve got loads more real-life reads and puzzles, as well as health advice, recipes, new-season fashion (p12), beauty and more. Have a great week!…

Michael says, ‘I don't regret messaging the other lass, but I regret hurting Kelly. But I didn't love Kelly any more - I told her that months before. Gaming has been my escape since a very young age. That's just a part of my DNA now, it's a part of me. I've always gamed. The gaming world is my second life, basically. I could sit there for days without moving. I'd get up, go to work, come home and then play the computer until the early hours, then repeat. But I suppose I did do it a little bit more when I realised that I was falling out of love with her. But nothing physical was ever going to happen with me and the other girl. She was too young…

Father’s Day 2005, and mum-of-three Cindy Gambino’s heart was full. In front of her, a beautiful family moment was unfolding. Her boys Jai, 10, Tyler, 7, and Bailey, 2, gave their father Robert Farquharson his presents – a framed photo of them and a set of pans. It was bitter-sweet – the gifts a reminder of one family broken into two, the pots a stark reminder of Robert’s separate home. The pair had divorced after their relationship had fallen apart, plagued by debt, and life’s stresses. Cindy and Robert had agreed a regular custody arrangement – but today, Cindy had offered her ex-husband an extra access visit – a special treat for Father’s Day. Telling her boys how much she loved them, she hugged them tight, before waving them off…

Weather watcher Q If it's about to rain or turn cold, my joints ache. Why? Verna, Leeds A You probably have some arthritis, and a weather change - usually a drop in temperature, damp, or a fall in barometric pressure - can certainly affect your symptoms. No-one's sure why, but it could be that it triggers swelling inside your joints. Swollen elbow Q I banged my elbow and now there's a swelling over the tip that feels full of fluid. Could a doctor pop it? Louise, Aldershot A Sounds like bursitis, a collection of fluid, usually due to repeated rubbing or a minor injury - but if it's hot, red and tender and you have a fever, see your GP. Otherwise, it should get better on its own. Two chins…

Chat has partnered with fashion brand Peacocks to offer readers an exclusive 20% off in-store and online from 27 September 2018 until midnight 4 October 2018. This autumn at Peacocks, heritage checks are paired with sports-luxe details, while floaty blouses are teamed with tough leathers. Catwalk trends shine through in Wild West-inspired detailing and hints of animal print. Whether you choose a classic trench coat to wrap up in for the colder months or opt for a glamorous style for that upcoming party, Peacocks has your new season wardrobe covered. Designed for families on the go, the new Peacocks range finds the balance between quality and affordability, while ensuring collections are on-trend but perfectly practical. Peacocks specialises in high quality clothing at affordable prices for all the family – offering…

Essence I Love Extreme Volume Mascara Waterproof, £2.80, Wilko This pocket-money range has caused a real stir. Is it the formula? Is it the brush? Who knows! But one thing’s for certain, this one ups your lash volume no end. Whether in the rain or by the pool abroad, it’s not going to budge. Aldi Lacura Miracle Cream, £3.99, Aldi. Dupe alert! Aldi have done it again with their all-in-one skin nourisher that is, fairly overtly, inspired by Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream. It can be used to soothe dry lips, skin and even cuticles. It’s a handbag staple and all for the cost of a Starbucks latte! Eucerin Intensive Foot Cream 10% Urea, £8.25 After a summer of sandal wearing, a decent foot cream is a pampering essential! This…

First, in 2012, I broke the news to my parents that I was attracted to women. It was a painful time for us all. Then, a year later, I broke the even bigger news… ‘I want to be a man,’ I was finally able to confess. Mum cried for weeks and just couldn’t understand. ‘Why aren’t you happy being a woman?’ she sobbed. I gently explained that I’d felt this way my whole life. ‘I feel like I’m losing a daughter,’ she cried. After a few weeks, though, she realised that she’d never really had a daughter, only a son that looked like one. My dad was quiet about it – but, after a few years, he accepted my choices. ‘I’m proud of you,’ he said. And that really meant…

Whether planning major building works or a spruce-up – improving your home boosts its worth… 1 Costings Before doing any work, get estate agents' opinions on the value they'd expect it to add. Each house has a ceiling price, so ensure the cost of the build isn't more than the amount it'll boost the value by. 2 Spend it wisely Zopa, a financial services company, found that a loft conversion boosts a house's value by 13% on average. A conservatory or bathroom typically increases value by 10%. If you can only afford to do one room, the National Association for Estate Agents says focus on the kitchen. Don't overspend - but don't skimp, as a poor finish could reduce your home's value! 3 Get busy Raise your home's value in…

Karly is looking forward to her special day and wedding days are not without many traditions, from the bride tossing the bouquet, to wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue. Here are a few other traditions... Favours or Italian confetti – small almonds with white crisp sugar coatings – are traditionally offered at Italian weddings as a thank you. They are served in a multiple of the number five to bring the newlyweds health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life! It is customary for the bride and groom in the Philippines to release a pair of doves together on the wedding day. The couple will make two white doves kiss, themselves kissing while they do this and release the doves to symbolise harmony and peace A day before the wedding,…

Pork and mushroom filo pie Serves: 4 Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Cost per serving: £1.48 • 25g butter • 250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered • 1tbsp plain flour • 300ml hot pork or vegetable stock • 4 pork loin medallions, cut into strips 1cm in thickness • 250g baby-leaf spinach • 2tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley • 3tbsp low-fat crème fraîche • 4 sheets filo pastry, cut in half • Spray oil 1 Preheat the oven 180C/ Gas 4. Melt the butter in a nonstick ovenproof frying pan (about 24cm), add the mushrooms and cook gently for about 3-4 min. 2 Stir in the flour, cook for 1 min, then pour in the stock, stirring until the sauce thickens. Simmer for 2-3 min. 3 Stir in the pork, spinach,…

Two months later, we’re still living in a local hotel Neil Potter, 42, Oadby, Leicestershire I made a start on tea. As the pitter patter of rain began, I reckoned it was just as well we were all inside. Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning, then a whopping clap of thunder a second after. ‘Storm!’ shouted Chloe. Then the heavens opened. A second flash followed, then a third. Then all the power in the house fizzled out with a loud, electrical pop. I chuckled when I heard the kids groaning from the living room, their computer game cutting out. ‘What’s going on?’ asked Laura, hurrying downstairs. ‘I’ll check the fuse box,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry.’ With a flip of the switch, the house soon thrummed to life. But just…

Cool as ice  Pesto doesn't keep well in the jar once opened. So try putting teaspoon-sized portions in an ice-cube tray and freeze until you need it. No more waste. Emma Richardson, Wimborne Minster Grab and go  I pour a large amount of plant food in my water butts, so when I fill up watering cans they're ready to go. Elaine Rippin, Pembroke Travel tip  Make a few slits in a piece of foam and glue inside a spare sunglasses' case. It's a great way to keep your jewellery safe and organised while on holiday. Gill Dean, Ness Eco tip  Put sheets of kitchen foil behind your radiators. It then reflects heat rather than it being absorbed by the walls. Richard Adams, Halesowen Clean as a whistle  Pop washing-up sponges…

The jury found Robert Farquharson guilty of the murders of his three sons. Supreme Court Judge Justice Philip Cummins sentenced Farquharson, 38, to serve three life sentences, with no minimum terms. Judge Cummins said, ‘The aim was to ensure all three were killed so their mother was left with no consolation.’ In December 2009, the conviction was overturned by appeal judges and a retrial was ordered. But in July 2010, the second jury found Farquharson guilty of murder yet again. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 33-year minimum.…

Third breast? Q When I was pregnant, I grew an extra mini breast in my armpit, with a nipple leaking milk! Surely that's weird? Imogen, Felixstowe A Up to 10 per cent of women have one or more extra nipples from their collarbone to their pubic bone. Sometimes, pregnancy causes breast tissue to grow under them - creating a mini breast. It should shrink after pregnancy, but can be removed if necessary. Love hurts! Q Sex always leaves me with painful little cuts around the entrance to my vagina. Is something wrong? Raanah, Whitechapel A Usually, this is simply the result of energetic sex. Keep the area clean, use lube, and tell your partner to ease off a little. But if it keeps happening, or the cuts don't heal within…

JAILHOUSE HOUDINI This Texas prison inmate escaped from a police car while being transported between jails! The 31-year-old man freed himself from his handcuffs, broke the passenger window and climbed onto the roof of the moving vehicle. The driver stayed on the road until back-up arrived. Witnesses took videos, which showed the inmate on top of the car, then jumping off as it slowed down. He was restrained by police and is now facing charges including escape and unauthorised use of a vehicle. SNAKES ALIVE! Another escape artist... A pet python sss-slipped from its tank and found its way into a stranger's bed, where it curled up and got comfy. When the woman awoke in her flat in Kensington, London, this July, to find a 3ft reptile snuggled up next…

Lily, 20, Leicester As the school bell rang, I rushed out of the classroom, giggling with my friends. Making our way to the school gates, I saw my boyfriend Dalton waiting for me. He was clutching a big bunch of red roses. ‘Hi, beautiful!’ he smiled. I blushed as he handed me the flowers. Dalton was 22 and I was only 14, but I liked having a mature, protective guy looking out for me. We’d met in February 2013 through a mutual friend at a party. Dalton treated me like a princess. But, knowing that my mum would disapprove of the age gap, I told her Dalton was 18. ‘He’s a little old,’ she’d said, worried, and I was glad that I’d fibbed. When they finally met, he’d charmed the…

I believed that monster belonged behind bars Shannon Stockwell, 22, Hook, Hampshire We all know the famous TV show theme song… When neighbours become good friends. Well, I wanted more than friendship with mine. I first bumped into Michael McCarron, 27, near my home in September 2017. Tall, dark, handsome, with a beard and nose-ring. Dreamy! After a few weeks, he asked me out for a drink. ‘I’d like to get to know you,’ he smiled. ‘Definitely!’ I blushed. Michael and I hit it off, the sparks flying. Not only hunky, Michael was a good listener, too. I told him about my past... How I’d fallen in with the wrong crowd, picked the wrong fella after my lovely mum Tracey had died in 2007. I said, ‘I’m going to turn…

Kelly Allan, 40, Scarborough Rocking my newborn back and forth, I glanced to where my hubby Michael, 31, was sitting. ‘Are you going to help?’ I barked. ‘I’m in the middle of an important match,’ he moaned. It was clear what Michael’s priorities were. Xbox first, us never. It hadn’t always been like this. When we’d been introduced by mutual friends in October 2014, we’d hit it off instantly. Swapping numbers a couple of days later, he’d come to stay with me then never really left. Some of my mates reckoned it was a flash-in-the-pan romance. That it would fizzle out. But I insisted, ‘When it’s true love, you just know.’ Plus, Michael always found new ways to surprise me. Whether it was a sweet note left on my pillow,…

Sophie Kafeero, 69, Kingston, Surrey As the taxi slowed to a stop, I pushed open the door and stepped out. There, waiting with the front door open, stood my strapping son Derick, 38. ‘Welcome home, Mum!’ he beamed, beckoning me into his arms. ‘I’ve missed you,’ I replied, leaning up to kiss Derick’s cheek. It was 6 June 2017, and I’d just returned from a six-month trip to Uganda, where I’d helped run an AIDS charity. With Derick’s dad Richard going missing in the political unrest in 1981, I’d brought Derick to the UK for a fresh start in 1989. Away from the horrors of our past, somewhere safe. Despite the losses we’d suffered, I felt extremely lucky to have Derick. Just the two of us against the world. Now,…

One minute I was racing across the basketball court, the next, the floor came rushing towards me. I landed on the floor with a thump. ‘You alright?’ asked my coach. ‘Yeah,’ I huffed. ‘Just landed funny.’ It was April 2017 and I shrugged it off. Only... Days later, my left knee became swollen and ached terribly. Not that I let it stop me. It was only when I kept losing my balance that my coach took me off the court. ‘You need to ice and rest that,’ she said. Reluctantly, I agreed. My left leg felt heavy and tight. Nothing a good massage won’t fix. I roped my boyfriend at the time into rubbing some oil into it, work out the knots. He pressed his thumb into my upper calf…

Pain was coursing through her body 24/7 They wrapped her limbs in silver-lined bandages Juggling a job, three kids, after-school clubs and a social life – every mum knows the struggle. But it meant the days flew by, and when the weekend came, I could relax with my happy little family. But then, in February 2017, all that seemed to change. ‘My face hurts, Mum,’ my second eldest, Alexa, 8, said one day. She’d been having shooting pains that would stop her dead in her tracks. ‘It feels like an electric shock,’ she complained. Poor poppet. ‘It’s probably nothing,’ I promised. But I took her to the doctor, where I was proved wrong. Her doctor diagnosed her on the spot with something called trigeminal neuralgia (TN). It’s a severe and…

Lee Ann Jarrell, 22 Watching as my aunt Maryanne reached into her handbag, my stomach did a little flip. The next minute, she shoved something into my hand and jerked her head towards the door. As my mother Phoebe busied herself cooking dinner, I rushed into my bedroom and opened my hand. Jackpot! My very own Chanel eyeshadow. It was old and tattered, nearly finished. But to me, it was worth its weight in gold. At 14, I was obsessed with make-up. But growing up with very religious parents, I was strictly forbidden from using it. My aunt took pity on me, indulging me where she could. So, when the house was quiet, I would pull the Chanel compact from under my bed, and smear the shimmering eyeshadow across the…

Cody Harman, 31 Walking down the aisle in a flowing, white dress, I’d plastered a huge smile on my face. Immaculate make-up, tiara in place… I looked every inch the perfect, blushing bride. At 21, I was marrying a wonderful man named Adam. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But I was a fake… I didn’t want to be the blushing bride… I wanted to be a man. Ever since I was 10 years old, I’d known that I was different. I didn’t want to wear pink frilly dresses or play with dolls. I wanted to do everything that my older brother Colin, then 13, did. Skateboarding and football… I persuaded my mum Cindy to let me copy him. ‘Please let me have short hair,…

Aries 21 March - 20 April After weeks of plodding, you can move up a gear now and make real progress. Whatever you want, you can have - which could be a problem. Focus on your original target, and don’t get distracted… • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May Test results confirm your own instincts. It’s not urgent by any means - but don’t ignore it and hope everything will carry on as it’s always done. You need to plan ahead for what’s coming next… • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Sometimes you’ll say yes to a request as you’re not really paying attention. But what you agree to this week has far-reaching and immediate effects -…

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Coronation Street Sinead’s agony! When Sinead admits to Beth that she’s 12 weeks pregnant but has been bleeding, Beth encourages her to get to hospital as soon as possible. Tests later reveal that she has a cancerous lump on her cervix. Will she have to terminate her pregnancy to have chemotherapy? Josh finally catches up with David in the salon. Will he at last admit he raped David? And, after supposed sightings of a big cat prowling around Weatherfield, Kirk decides to trap the beast… Emmerdale ‘Robron’ tie the knot! It’s the wedding all Emmerdale fans have been waiting for, as Aaron and Robert, aka ‘Robron’ are finally due to get married this week. But the pair have faced so many trials and tribulations along the way, we can’t see…