Table of contents for 08-Aug-2019 in Chat

When Shelley found her hubby dead, in a pool of blood, she pointed the finger at their own son. Was he really capable of murder? (p14) Abi found herself strapped for cash and came across a money-making scheme that is not to be sneezed at (p26)… Would you give it a go?! Jemma was desperate for a baby but she was keeping a secret from her hubby that meant their dreams may never come true (p31). We’ve come over all tropical this week – with snazzy prints in fashion (p12) and fruity bargains to brighten up your kitchen (p28). That’s on top of all your usual faves, like prize puzzles, food, tips, health advice, Aunty Nelly and more. Have a great week!…

Pods and plants Place your old coffee pods hidden under your plants or in flower beds to repel harmful insects. Chris Sewell, Seaton Mess free  Stop your ice lollies from dripping all over your hands and clothes by putting the stick through a plastic lid from a coffee cup! Hilda Robson, Chester-le-Street Nifty needle trick Threading a needle can be a nightmare, so I spray the end of the cotton with some hairspray to help it glide right through. Karen Hill, Caernarfon Pop the lid If you're struggling to open a jar, just blast the lid with a hairdryer! It works every time! Heather McEwen, Norwich Happy herbs  I made a herb pot for my windowsill by painting an old biscuit tin and including the names of the herbs! Carol…

The jurors rejected Thomas Gilbert Jr’s claim of insanity, and instead found him guilty of murder. The panel of 12 jury members was initially split on the case. That was, until they considered his request to his mother for a can of Coke – to purposefully get her out the house so he could shoot his dad. According to one juror, the request demonstrated just how calculating he was when he carried out the crime. ‘It was a light-bulb moment for me,’ the jury member said. Gilbert faces life in prison when he is sentenced this month. Despite giving evidence against him, his mother Shelley doesn’t believe her son should be in jail. ‘He belongs in a hospital. It’s what my husband would have wanted for him, if he was…

1 Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin SPF 30, £10, Boots This face mist can be spritzed on over your foundation, and as I always tend to wear make-up it’s a great way to stay protected in the hot weather. 2 Johnson’s Baby Oil, £2.25, Tesco I always have a bottle of this on the side of my shower and smooth it on my skin as soon as I’ve turned the water off. The oil is occlusive so keeps as much moisture in my skin as possible. 3 Rimmel London Wake Me Up Skin Brightening Concealer, £6.50, Sainsbury’s This is my favourite under-eye concealer. Its light and smooth so it doesn’t drag my skin when I apply it, and it’s packed with vitamin C to help brighten the skin underneath too.…

Boob worry Q Since my menopause, my breasts are getting smaller and floppier - what can I do? Sue, Leeds A Loss of the oestrogen hormone at this time can cause your breasts to shrink and become less dense, with fewer milk-producing glands, but more fat. HRT might help, though you wouldn't take it for this alone. Keep a healthy weight, wear a good bra and try chest-muscle exercises. Sore vagina! Q Sex leaves me with an ache inside for hours. My doctor says it's because my cervix is bruised. Kelly, south London A Vigorous sex, or things like vibrators, can bruise your cervix, particularly if it's low or prominent. It should get better within a day or two, but you might have to take sex more gently, or try…

1985: Farm slaughter At a farm in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, in Essex, Jeremy Bamber shot dead five members of his family on 7 August 1985. The victims were June and Nevill Bamber, their adopted daughter Sheila, and their two grandchildren Daniel and Nicholas. At first, Sheila was thought to be the murderer, but Jeremy - who June and Nevill had also adopted - was turned in by his girlfriend after confessing. Bamber was jailed for life without parole. 2007: Baby P On 3 August 2007, a 17-month-old boy was found dead in his cot in north London. At first only known as Baby P, but later revealed to be called Peter, the tot had suffered a series of horrific injuries. His mum Tracey  Connelly, her boyfriend Steven Barker, and…

Coronation Street Jan’s not the man for Eileen After Seb discovered that the nail salon - where his would-be girlfriend Alina works - is a front for a human trafficking ring, Eileen is niggled by something that Jan tells her, so she goes to the salon, where she finds her man helping ringleaders Rachel and Nikolai do a runner. The next thing she knows, the police raid the salon and she ends up getting arrested! Although she’s released without charge, Eileen’s gutted to learn Jan was involved. After Pat Phelan, you’d have thought she’d had her run of bad luck with men! Emmerdale Can the Sharmas rise from the ashes? Rishi recently took out a high-interest loan from Kim to save the family’s confectionery business from going to the wall.…

Maria Webb, 37, Bodmin Waddling through the kitchen recently, my husband Mark, 39, rubbed his stomach. To his side was my pregnant friend Carlie, 30, whose tum was getting bigger every day. ‘Mine’s still bigger than yours,’ Mark said wryly, looking down at his front. And the poor bloke wasn’t wrong. His belly stuck out further than Carlie’s. But while she was pregnant with her baby, due in just two weeks, there was no end date when Mark could expect to lose his ‘bump’. In fact, he’d been growing the thing, on and off, for 13 years. Back in 2006, Mark had developed a lump the size of a golf ball in his stomach and been diagnosed with his first hernia – a condition that happens when an organ pushes…

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK Nspa’s Ultra Hydrate range is perfect for those whose complexion dries out regularly. Their Ultra Hydrate Bi-Phase Micellar Cleanser, £6, Asda, is no exception. It’s infused with oils and cactus water to gently remove make-up and impurities, and leave your skin soft instead of parched. 48%  Last year sales of faces masks went up by a whopping 48% in the UK, and for good reason. With more mask options than ever on offer , you can now choose from a wide range of ingredients and buy a single mask at a time to target specific skincare concerns without blowing the budget. W e love Garnier SkinA ctive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask, £2.99 . 3 OF THE BEST BARGAIN HAND CREAMS Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream,…

Georgie Morrell, 32, London They say laughter is the best medicine. For me, it certainly has been. If I’d not found the funny side of my condition, I don’t know how I would’ve coped. Ever since I was little, I’d suffered with numerous ailments. My mum Susan, 64, and my dad Tony, 70, had recounted the story to me a million times over. I’d been a perfectly healthy baby and toddler. But, after my third birthday, that changed. ‘My knees ache,’ I groaned. First I went to a doctor, then to a rheumatologist. ‘Georgie has juvenile arthritis,’ he told us after a scan. It was a massive shock for my parents. Given anti-inflammatory medication, I had to keep active, too. That moment was a huge turning point for me But,…

Sophie Clarke, 27, Beccles Placing a hand on my tummy, I winced as my little one kicked me again. ‘Alright, alright!’ I sighed, tucking into my breakfast. ‘I know you’re hungry.’ My partner laughed at me from across the table. ‘He’s not even here yet and he’s showing you who’s boss,’ he laughed. ‘We’ll see,’ I giggled. It was November 2016 and I was 38 weeks pregnant. Since we’d found out I was expecting, everything had been perfect. My bump had grown gradually and, at every scan, the doctors seemed pleased with how I was progressing. I’d been told I’d start to feel the baby moving around but I never expected him to be trying to kick his way out! It made for many restless nights and uncomfortable moments. But…

Abi Haywood, 19, Cardigan Dressed in a black leather body suit with fishnet stockings, I felt a familiar tingling in my nose. I gave the camera a sultry look. ‘Here comes another one…’ I purred. Sneezing loudly, I felt droplets of snot land on me. ‘That was a big one,’ I winked. It was February 2019, and I was making a home video. A snot-fetish film, to be precise! I’d stumbled upon an unexplored subculture Sneezing for men on camera hadn’t been in my plan when I’d left my home in South Wales to begin a Foundation course at Leeds Arts University six months earlier. It had all started in November 2018, when my tutors had asked me to film myself creating an unusual piece of art. ‘If you use…

Jemma Arscott, 29, Bristol Polishing off a takeaway, I washed it down with a glass of bubbly. ‘That’s me done,’ I told my hubby Ben, as I cleared the containers into the bin. My last blowout was over. It was December 2016 and, the next morning, I was beginning a health kick. I’d never been naturally thin. Any extra weight clung to my 5ft 4in frame. Before my wedding to Ben, 26, a year earlier, I’d managed to shed 3st and now I was a trim 8st 11lb. But now, I was hankering after my next challenge. Seeing buff, muscular women on Instagram, I felt inspired. I wanted to prove I could transform my body, even compete in a bikini contest. I hit the gym twice a day, at 5am,…

Aries 21 March - 20 April You can think of two ways to solve a problem. One involves being slow, gentle, and not trying anything clever; the other is just going for it. That’s the one you’d prefer - but the patient one is best. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May You’re asked to make a decision you’re not ready for, but you don’t want to lose your chance. Could you register your interest but postpone it - put down a deposit but not pay in full, perhaps? Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June You said you didn’t like it, that it wasn’t your sort of thing. The truth was, you couldn’t afford it, but didn’t like to…

Danielle Barnes, 33, Nuneaton Looking around at my tidy house, I smiled. It was 4 December 2018, and I’d finished all of the housework before midday. Now it was time to relax. I worked as a self-employed hairdresser, running my own little salon from home, but I had no more appointments that day. The house was quiet, as my partner Mark, 36, was at his job as a heavy goods vehicle mechanic, and our eldest son, 7, was at school. This was a welcome afternoon off. You see, I was five months pregnant with my second child. So, I grabbed a cup of tea, and turned on the telly. Nothing was on, so I took out my phone. ‘Let’s try this bingo out,’ I said to myself. Over the last…

Lynn Rusling, 41, Blackpool Nights out weren’t for me. I preferred an evening in on the sofa, cosy in my pyjamas. But I couldn’t help feeling tempted, in April 2013, when my neighbour invited me for drinks with him, his girlfriend and their mate Dean Rusling, 33. I’d first met Dean the previous month, when I’d knocked on my neighbour’s door to borrow a teabag. Good-looking, he was polite and friendly. Over the next few weeks I’d kept bumping into him. He always had a smile and a joke for me. ‘He likes you,’ my neighbour’s partner winked. ‘Oh, give over,’ I laughed in return, embarrassed. So I knew their invitation was a thinly veiled attempt to get me and Dean together! Sure enough, I had a fun evening with…

Debbie Stansfield, 55, South Yorkshire My sister Sue, 14, waved from our bedroom window, as I skipped off down the road. We’d gone into foster care when we were both little. We only really had each other – and our nan Alice, 49. Every Saturday, I went to visit Nan at her house. Sue would often stay home, hiding away in her room listening to music. Now, aged 12, in September 1975, I hurried there excitedly. I knew there’d be homemade custard tarts waiting for me. When I arrived, there was a man decorating. ‘This is Alan,’ Nan said. ‘Hello,’ he smiled. Alan had curly black shoulder-length hair, a gap in his front teeth, dark eyes and a moustache. I watched as he rolled out flowery wallpaper in Nan’s bedroom.…

Her voice shaking, the woman on the phone told the emergency operator that her husband was dead. Shelley Gilbert had found her husband of 33 years lying on the floor of their luxury Manhattan apartment. Thomas Gilbert Sr, 70, a self-made millionaire who ran a successful hedge fund and played tennis at New York’s exclusive River Club, had everything to live for. So why was he lying in a pool of blood, a gun in his left hand? ‘He’s been shot!’ Shelley Gilbert gasped on the phone. When the operator asked her who’d done it, she didn’t hesitate in answering. ‘My son, who is nuts,’ she replied bluntly. ‘But I had no idea he was this nuts. He shot him in the head.’ Her son was Thomas Gilbert, 34, a…

Lady Gaga  Well known for her extravagant looks, Lady Gaga is no stranger to the odd beauty hack. Her make-up artist has revealed that she uses a DenTek OraBrush, £5.20, Boots, to gently exfoliate the star’s lips, giving her the perfect base for smooth lipstick application. Kendall Jenner  Just like her sister Kim Kardashian, Kendall can afford to be picky when it comes to beauty buys, but she has revealed a French pharmacy favourite is her go-to lip balm... Avene Cold Cream Lip Cream, £8, Boots…

Unknown lump Q When I run, a lump pops up in the lower part of my leg. My coach thinks it's a muscle hernia. Jeanne, Llandudno A Your leg muscles are surrounded by tough fascia. A hole in the fascia causes part of the muscle to poke out under your skin when you use it. If there's no pain, there's usually no need for treatment, otherwise you may need an op. Sleepless nights QI keep waking up as my legs twitch in my sleep. What's wrong? Maureen, Wilmslow A It could be periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). A mild form might affect up to one-third of over-65s. Check any drugs you take, particularly antidepressants, as they can make it worse, avoid caffeine and, if it's still bad, see your GP.…

This is an extremely rare condition that can cause severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in newborn babies, infants and children. It occurs in approximately one in 25,000-50,000 births and is a genetic condition, inherited from one or both parents. Hyperinsulinism occurs when the pancreas produces too much insulin, as it is unable to determine blood sugar levels. It can be dangerous, as it prevents the brain from getting the right ‘fuels' which can result in seizures. Without treatment for the condition, brain cells can become damaged, leading to permanent seizure disorder, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, blindness or even death.…

Q What do your friends and family think of your videos? A My mum's known from the beginning, and she loves it. I didn't tell my grandad for ages because I was scared how he'd react, but he was actually lovely about it. My ex-partner was comfortable with me doing it. He knew that it was a job and I had no emotional attachment to my customers. Q Is there anything that you wouldn’t consider doing? A I don't do nudity or anything in person, as it's out of my comfort zone. Q You’re very sneezy – but do you suffer with hay fever? A No, but I wish I did! Sometimes I've had to pretend my hay fever is playing up, but that's just an act. I would probably…

Realising I needed help, I began counselling to improve my relationship with food. I eased back into normal eating habits. I didn’t feel scared of eating a slice of bread or a chocolate bar, and I knew when to stop. Gradually, the number on the scales crept up to 8st 9lb. Gone was my washboard stomach, my sculpted arms. But I found I didn’t mind the new, soft curves of my body. When I failed to get pregnant every month, I knew it was time to come clean. ‘My periods stopped months ago,’ I confessed to Ben. I saw the GP and he told us not to worry, advised me to keep on eating. They’d be back, hopefully. I knew Ben was anxious, but he reassured me, too. He made…

1 Find the deals  Many attractions offer discounted tickets if you book online in advance. You can also get offers on many major attractions and restaurants if you travel by train. Visit daysoutguide. co.uk for more. It can also be worth trawling social media sites and doing a search online to check for deals on the places you would like to visit. Don't forget to look for free activities in your area too. 2 A year of fun  Look out for attractions where buying a ticket gets you entry for a year, such as the London Transport Museum (ltmuseum. co.uk) and Alnwick Castle (alnwickcastle.com). If you plan to visit regularly, consider buying an annual membership to attractions if that's possible - just be realistic about how frequently you think you will…

Wendy Hodgson, 49, Gateshead On a Saturday evening in November 2018, I spotted an ad for Chat Mag Bingo. I liked bingo so decided to join. I went for 75-ball bingo in Bingo Lounge first, and played with some of the free tickets I got when I signed up. I then bought a couple of 10p tickets for my last game. As one by one, my numbers were called my excitement rose. Before I knew it, a banner popped up on my screen. I’d won! I thought I’d just won the £150 Full House, but I’d won the big £1,360 Progressive Jackpot as well. I’d only joined 50 minutes earlier. Unbelievable! When my husband Gordon, 50, came home, I told him the news. ‘I think we should use the money…

This Way Up C4 Irish comedian and actress Aisling Bea writes and stars in a new comedy series about the social, mental and personal challenges that people face in their pursuit of happiness. Aisling plays foreign language teacher Aine, who's trying to get her life back on track after a ‘teeny little nervous breakdown', while Catastrophe's Sharon Horgan co-stars as her worried sister Shona. But as Aine navigates her way along the road to recovery, will Shona's efforts be more of a hindrance than a help? Celebs Go Dating E4 He may have won Love Island and enjoyed a romance with his fellow winner Dani Dyer, but Jack Fincham is back on the singles market. Will he find love when he takes part in the seventh series of C4’s celebrity…

No fly zone don’t think this blackbird I read the whole sign as he swooped in on this retail park! Kevin Edney Milner, Stoke-on-Trent Bin the bullies Reading or hearing about bullying makes me so sad. Society’s most vulnerable are under increasing attack, but you’d think the nation should have learned to prevent bullying by now. Schools obviously don’t like to admit problems like that, but if they addressed it daily, they might make bullies understand their behaviour is not acceptable. Amber Jacobs, Helsby Truth about transport If I ruled the world, I’d give free travel passes to anyone who sold their car and promised not to buy another. But I do think public transport needs an overhaul. It shouldn’t just be affordable, but also simple, efficient and universal. You…

Natalie Halliwell, 46, Gateshead The school doors opened and the kids piled out, I spotted my Zach’s sandy hair bobbing among the crowd. He noticed me waiting and grinned, calling to his little mate, ‘That’s my baby brother with my mum!’ Since the day baby Dominic had arrived 10 weeks before, Zach, 5, had been over the moon with his little bro. He’d even turned up to the hospital to visit wearing a floral bow-tie and shirt! ‘He insisted on looking smart for the occasion,’ my hubby Chris, 44, had told me. ‘Can I see Domino?’ Zach had frowned, pronouncing his new brother’s name wrong while peering into the cot beside my bed. Bless! Zach had always been a character, so full of energy. He’d been a bad sleeper as…