Table of contents for 19 February 2026 in Chat

Welcome to this week’s Chat… Baby weight is something that affects many mums. But while most pile it on while expecting their bundles of joy, Kirsty was actually losing pounds – and stones – when she carried baby Meave. And she didn’t stop there… (p24). From baby weight to a baby wait. Single, with fertility challenges, Rebecca longed to be a mum. Solo IVF didn’t work out for her, but finally she found something that did (p10). Little Violet and Meave are both such cuties, and making their mums proud. We do love a happy ending! Have a great week,…

The sun shone in May 2019, as the whole family gathered for a barbecue. ‘It’s so good to see you,’ I told Casei, wrapping her in a hug. The kids ran around together, playing, while the adults chatted. Michael was quiet as usual and spent most of his day looking after the children. Just before 9pm, my kids were tired, so I packed up to leave. ‘See you tomorrow,’ I told Casei. We’d arranged to meet up for breakfast before she went home. No one had seen or spoken to her for months ‘Love you,’ she said, giving me a squeeze. But the following morning, I woke to a text from my cousin Janeen, 32. Casei and Michael have gone, she wrote. Over a flurry of texts, she told me…

My scalp is sore Q I’ve had an itchy scalp for months – no rash or flakes. I’ve tried changing shampoos, but nothing helps. What should I do? Simone, Wolverhampton A A persistently itchy scalp without rash or flakes could be mind eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis, even if you can’t see it. Sometimes it’s triggered by hair products, stress or even dry skin. Psoriasis usually causes silvery scales, so less likely here. Try a medicated shampoo with ketoconazole or coal tar (available at pharmacies) and avoid fragranced products. If that doesn’t help, your GP can prescribe a steroid lotion or refer you to a dermatologist. It’s also worth checking iron, thyroid and vitamin D levels, as deficiencies can cause itching. Am I diabetic? Q I’m a healthy 50-year-old woman on…

The first edition of the Tour de Yorkshire road cycling race started in which town on 1 May 2015? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Russian currency unit = RULE + B = RUBLE. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2 × £25 Puzzle 9 Russian currency unit Mythical beings Slightly damp Foot lever A colour Demon Intended Warbles Heavenly saint Defensive ditches Grape plants Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Ginny Spenceley, 61, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire As I led a family of visitors to our dining room, they might have expected to see the table set up for lunch. Instead, they were greeted by a harem of monkeys swinging from trees. ‘Wow,’ they gasped in unison. They couldn’t believe that marmosets, vervet monkeys, blotched genets and stumptailed macaques were all hanging out in my house! Aged 4, in 1968, I was living every child’s dream. See, I lived in a zoo! Months earlier, my mum Marion and dad Chris had moved me and my sister Alison, 2, from Bristol to our quirky new home. A converted fort on an island off Tenby, on the south-west Wales coast. It had once housed 200 soldiers so there were plenty of rooms for us…

Shrove Tuesday is on 17 Feb Nutella chocolate stack These fluffy chocolate-chip pancakes are served with an addictively good drizzle. SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 20 MINS 250g self-raising flour 1tsp baking powder 2tbsp cocoa powder 3tbsp golden caster sugar 200ml whole milk 3 medium free-range eggs 30g milk chocolate chips  A little butter, for frying Toppings such as mini marshmallows or crumbled Flake bars FOR THE SAUCE: 150g Nutella 60ml whole milk 1 In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and sugar. In a jug, beat together the milk and eggs. Gradually pour the milk mixture over the dry ingredients while whisking. Continue to mix until smooth, then stir in the chocolate chips. 2 Melt a little butter in a non-stick frying pan over…

Aries 21 March-20 April Saturn moves back into your sign on the 15th, helping you make a practical plan for the coming year. Take confident action to fulfil your most important desires. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Your sign is ruled by Venus, which means you’re romantic and committed in your love relationship. Spend time with your special someone to deepen this bond. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June You’re moving into smoother waters now after a difficult time. Try not to overthink recent events and focus instead on what’s working out positively for you. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Your boss or someone in authority wants to help and is guiding you…

Q I always forget to moisturise my body, but I want to make it a habit this year! Any suggestions? Marian Pascoe, 52, Wrexham A Firstly, don’t be too hard on yourself! It’s easy to neglect your body in the winter months – it’s hidden under layers of clothes, and who wants to hang around in the cold after showering? Choosing a formula with a lovely scent can turn moisturising into a pampering experience for both body and mind, rather than a chore. We love Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Body Lotion, £8.99, Superdrug, the smell is so nostalgic and uplifting, and the formula provides hydration for up to seven days. Body creams have come a long way, and many now include skincare-level ingredients that can transform your…

TEXT Simply text CHATA followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips Don ’t put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. You can use capitals or small letters, but don’t use any commas, etc. Leave out answers you don’t wish to enter. INTERNET Join our Chat Comp Club now…

In computer gaming, which character is known in Japanese as Koopa, or Daimao (‘great demon king’)? 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 2 Railway carriage serving refreshment (6,3) 4 Statute • Humble, modest 6 Henrik _, Norwegian playwright • Underwear item 8 A follow-up course Your answer:…

Rebecca Shelley, 43, Chelmsford, Essex Unpacking boxes in my new place, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. It was October 2021. A fresh start, I thought. I’d recently split from my husband after over 10 years together. He didn’t want kids. But I’d always wanted to be a mum and, at 39, my biological clock was ticking. So we’d agreed to divorce and I was renting alone. By January 2022, I’d made a decision to chase my dream. I’m going to be a mum! I posted on Instagram. I’ve decided to go down the IVF route on my own. After lots of research, I’d opted to use donor sperm. Friends and family were supportive, especially my mum Maxine, then 58. ‘I know how much this means to you,’…

EDITOR’S WARNING Families can be complicated, but for the Michaels-Willette brood, the set-up was more puzzling than most. Because when Devyn Michaels married her toy boy Deviere Willette, he became stepfather to his two half-sisters. And Devyn’s ex – Johnathan Willette – became her father-in-law. The confusing situation came about because while Devyn was in a relationship with Johnathan, who she had two daughters with, in 2016 she had a secret affair with his teenage son. Deviere was just 19 at the time. Devyn split with Johnathan, and later married his son, Deviere, in 2021. Following a legal battle, Johnathan won full custody of his and Devyn’s daughters. Life moved on, and in summer 2023, Johnathan was back living with his mum. Meanwhile, after 12 years working as an adult…

1 Sort out your health Vaginal dryness is one symptom of low or fluctuating oestrogen levels around menopause, and it can make intercourse very painful. ‘HRT or a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary can help,’ says Dr Deborah Lee of drfox.co.uk. ‘Correcting any oestrogen deficiency can also boost your libido. There are non-hormonal options for menopausal symptoms, too, as well as a new medicine called Fezolinetant, which is available on private prescription. All these methods have pros and cons and should be fully discussed with your doctor.’ 2 Check him out Did you know that 50% of men aged 40-70 have erectile dysfunction? But medication, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) or Spedra (avanafil), can make all the difference, says Dr Lee. ‘Viagra Connect is available without a prescription, but it’s important…

Kirsty Anderson, 31, Stirling Swiping through pics on my phone, I frowned. ‘I didn’t want to be fat for my 30th,’ I moaned to my hubby Garry, then 35. ‘You look great,’ he replied. But the photo evidence of my recent birthday party said otherwise. My black, ruffled dress was straining at the seams. And it was a wonder my bar stool hadn’t collapsed. It was May 2024. Weighing 21st and a size 22 at 5ft 7in tall, I’d been overweight for years. I’d tried calorie counting but had zero willpower and never stuck at diets. I hated clothes shopping, felt huge compared with other mums at dance competitions with my daughters Millie, then 8, and Maisie, 4. Also my GP had warned me that I was pre-diabetic. Such a…

Sick of Mum’s mean comments Q I moved back in with my parents to save money after a bad break-up. I’m grateful for their support but my mum keeps commenting on my weight, clothes and how much I’m on my phone. I’ve asked her to stop but she laughs and says she’s trying to help. I want to move out, but I can’t afford it yet. Gemma, 32 A Comments like this cut deep, petal. Especially from someone who should be your soft place to land. Sometimes parents confuse communication with care and forget to edit themselves before they speak. Tell her straight that this hurts you. She needs to realise her jokes and comments aren’t funny. If she can’t protect your feelings, you need to do it yourself. Dad’s…

3 Ways to… teach your kids about money It’s never too early to manage cash like a pro… 1 Set challenges Instil the importance of finding the best deals. Next time they make a birthday list or save up for something, challenge them to find the cheapest price of the items, suggests AJ Bell’s Charlene Young. ‘It’s also a great reminder for kids that shopping online might come with delivery fees and it’ll help them compare different offers.’ 2 Try a ‘snack shop’ School holidays and weekends can involve constant requests for snacks, so why not set up an at-home tuck shop? It’s a great opportunity for a real-life money lesson, says Charlene. ‘Each child gets an amount to spend each day (theoretical or real coins) and available snacks each have a price tag,’ she…

Tracey Mcleod, 61, Bury, Lancs The doorbell buzzed and I turned to my son Chris. ‘That’ll be for you,’ I smiled. It was a neighbour, asking if he’d take a look at his car. A trained mechanic, Chris, then 18, loved tinkering with engines on his day off. ‘Make sure you charge them,’ I nudged, as he headed outside in his overalls. ‘I told them a four-pack of lager will do,’ he winked. Generous to a fault, my kind-hearted boy. It only felt like two minutes since he’d been a chubby baby with big blue eyes. My whole world, along with his younger siblings Andrea, then 15, and Joseph, 13. Single after splitting from Chris’ dad George before he was born, my relationship with Andrea and Joseph’s dad hadn’t lasted…

Chat winners issue 45 (6 Nov 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH J Sparkes, Littleborough £500 CASH L Watkins, Hull H Milner, Liverpool £250 CASH S Diddams, Peterborough R Griffiths, London £200 CASH D MacLay, Newquay £100 CASH E Clark, Stevenston P Tremlett, Bridgend C Robinson, Alderley Edge £75 CASH D Savin, St Austell £50 CASH L Ellis, Stoke-on-Trent J Brothwood, Blackburn CA Wilkinson, Cromer E Ellams, Huntingdon L Hutchinson, Crook E Lloyd, Wolverhampton £40 CASH K Brown, Newry £30 CASH S Wallace, Hereford J Learad, Rotherham £25 CASH V Boughton-Fox, Burwell K Adams, Peterborough £20 CASH L Gunter, Thetford D Bailey, Lutterworth L Busutill, Manchester N Jackson, Worksop I Hillon, Whitehaven D Edwards, Newhaven P Webb, Didcot L Marchant, Port Talbot J Jones,…

Fiona Rickard, 57, from Newquay Are you an early bird or a night owl? Both! I’m awake before 7am but seldom fall asleep before midnight. My mum always said that I burnt the candle at both ends. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust your instincts, love the skin you’re in and never let anyone control you, even if you love them. Also, floss more and invest more in a pension! What does a typical weekend look like for you? Saturday is ‘Sisters Saturday’. My sisters and best friends come over for bubbles, nibbles and giggles while my husband Graham is at football. Sunday is ‘Secret Sunday’. I take Graham off in our camper van to a surprise location for a walk with our Cavalier King Charles spaniel…

Sarah Gilbert, 41 Lying in the maternity ward cradling my newborn son, I chatted to my sister Casei on the phone. ‘So, what did you name the baby?’ she asked. ‘His name’s Casey,’ I said. Casei let out a high-pitch squeal of excitement. ‘As it’s a boy, I spelt it a bit differently to yours,’ I said. It was October 2003 and Casei, then 17, was two years younger than me. So I’d always been protective of her. Bubbly and loving, she was full of energy. She adored animals and would help anything or anyone in need. Aged 13, I’d promised Casei, then 11, that I’d name my first born after her. Neither of us forgot. Now she was the proudest of aunties. Over the next few years, I had…

STYLE TIP A red cardigan is a simple way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit. Go bold and add a red bag too. STYLE TIP For an evening, choose a V-neck cardigan – the plunging neckline makes it night-out appropriate. For daytime, layer it over a crew neck T-shirt. STYLE TIP Argyle is the print of the season and looks great with a statement jean. Use silver details to give the knit a cool vibe. STYLE TIP Long, belted cardigans accentuate the waist and elongate your frame. They also make for a chic loungewear look.…

Rachel Evans, Lancaster True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Opening one of her little red notebooks, I snuggled up against my grandma Sylvia and closed my eyes. Listening to her tell me the stories she’d been writing for years was the highlight of my week. They were always about amazing, brave women. Inspired by her sisters, Ivy and Gladys, who’d died in their 20s. If only I could write stories like that, I thought. But I couldn’t. Aged 8, I struggled to hold a pen properly in school. I had painful muscle spasms, and my arms, legs and hands would often shake and tremble. Mum, Pamela, and Dad, Peter, told me I was the same as all my friends. But I knew I walked and talked differently – wobbly on my feet, slurring…

Horse 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Giddy up! There’s no mistaking the fun and energy that you bring. Joyful, spontaneous and hot to trot, you’re ready for any adventure. There are certainly no long faces when you’re around! Snake 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2025 Plot twist Smooth, stylish and a little bit terrifying at times, you’re wise and witty beyond your years. There’s an air of mystery behind your calm and knowledgeable exterior. Just try not to get too wrapped up in yourself. Rat 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Say cheese Some people may think you’re a bit of a pest, but only because you’re so cunning and clever. Behind that squeaky exterior, you’re charming, witty and actually quite cute. Tiger 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998,…

They say kids grow up in the blink of an eye. And for Kristine’s daughter Savvy, that was certainly true. Because as the little girl grew, she just kept going up. And up. And up. At school, Savvy towered over her classmates. In photos with friends, she was head and shoulders above the rest. ‘When you’re young, you just long to fit in with everyone,’ Savvy says. But her rapidly increasing height made her stick out like a sore thumb. People regularly stopped Kristine in the street asking how tall Savvy was, or what size shoes she wore. ‘If I had a nickel for every time somebody asked… we’d probably be rich today!’ Kristine laughs. But no matter what anyone said, Kristine always told her daughter she was perfect. ‘My…

In 2012, Carol Baxter, then 53, and her husband Stephen, then 50, had escaped the rat race of London, moving to the picturesque Essex island of Mersea. Stephen had worked hard as an engineer, Carol a maths teacher. Now, they wanted a peaceful life by the sea, moving into a beautiful 5-bedroom detached home along with their two children, Ellena and Harry. The couple became members of the yacht club and were quickly welcomed by friendly locals. Including Luke D’Wit, then 23, born and bred in the close-knit town. When Carol started her own bath mat business, Luke, an IT whizz, helped build the website. He went on to become a close family friend. Only, as the years went on, Carol’s health declined. She had a thyroid condition, which left…

Dear Adam, They say the third time’s a charm, and for us that couldn’t be more true. We met through online dating in May 2015. And despite me being a bit of a commitment-phobe, you won me over with your good looks, kindness and loyalty. Then, after we’d been together for nine years, my dad, Joseph, died after a battle with bladder cancer in January 2024, aged 86. Your love and support in that difficult time made me realise I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. When you proposed two weeks later, I didn’t need to think about saying yes. The religious temple I attend didn’t have the relevant licence at the time. ‘You can have a blessing here,’ the minister suggested. I loved the idea…