Table of contents for 19-Dec-2019 in Chat

Get ready for your jumbo issue of Chat ... When Dionne’s sister didn’t arrive for Boxing Day, her family could never have imagined her terrible fate (p10). Deborah’s sexy confession will shock you. It isn’t her hubby she’s planning to kiss under the mistletoe (p34). And heartbroken Wayne’s wife will never spend a single Christmas with their longed-for baby (p40). As well as more engrossing reads and your favourite prize puzzles, we’ve got the secrets to a stress-free festive feast (p46) and find out what’s in store for you in 2020 with our horoscopes special (p51). Plus last-minute beauty gift ideas (p76), party looks, festive days out fun and games galore!…

As the new year got under way, we fell back into a routine, Jonathan staying at mine every night. ‘It was just a blip,’ I told Mum. ‘Be careful,’ she warned, sounding unconvinced. And I pushed away any doubts… But then, one night in March 2016, I noticed that Shantayah was playing with Jonathan’s car keys – attached to a key ring I’d never seen before. My heart thudded. The photo on the key ring was of a smiling dark-haired woman. ‘Megan!’ I seethed, throwing the keys at Jonathan. The lying rat! Rather than making up excuses, his face flashed with rage. Grabbing my neck, he pushed me up against the wall. ‘Let go,’ I choked as I heard Shantayah crying. Without saying a word, he released me and stormed…

On Christmas morning in 2017, Sarah Cotton stared at the lights on the tree. But for all the festive cheer in her home, there was something missing. Her little girls Aubrey, 4, and Chloe, 6. Her darling daughters were miles away at their father’s home. Sarah and her ex, Andrew Berry, 45, had drawn battle lines during a bitter split, but had finally agreed to stick to a court custody schedule. So, on 21 December, Sarah had dropped her little girls off at their dad’s. And now, on Christmas Day, as she set about cooking the festive meal with all the trimmings, she felt ready for the girls’ return at noon. Only, as the clock struck 12, there was no knock on the door. And as minutes turned to hours,…

Mariel Kirton, 24, Leeds Some of my favourite memories of Christmas involve my dad Ray, 61. He was the life and soul of the party, dancing or belting out carols. I still see glimpses of the old him – the cheeky chap He always ensured everybody’s glass was topped up. Taught me what Christmas is all about. Family, friends and fun. My favourite memory is the year he dressed up as Santa. It was December 2002 and I couldn’t have been more than 7. ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ he bellowed as he walked into the room ringing a bell. My sisters Lauren, then 12, and Charys, 9, squealed with excitement. We took turns to sit on Santa’s knee and each got a present and a picture. When Santa disappeared into the…

Frustrated with myself, I comfort-ate more than ever. By February 2017, I was even bigger. We’d booked a trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park, but when we got there, I was too big for the rides. Instead, I sat on a bench with the kids’ bags. I felt humiliated, gutted I was missing out on all the fun. It was the motivation I needed to finally lose weight. A week later, I was at the checkout in Iceland, when I spotted a Slimming World rep. Handing out leaflets, she told me about a local group. It’s time, I thought. She gave me some more information to mull over, and told me to come along. But it took another three weeks before I mustered the courage to go. Sitting in my…

1 Money is a main cause of festive stress. First, make sure bills are covered, then set a realistic budget and stick to it. Check out the sales, charity shops and the supermarket discount aisle if you’re struggling. And if, like me and many others, you rarely have anything left after bills, try popping a little away each week next year. 2 As kids get older, wish lists get more expensive, including the latest gadgets and fashion. Tell them immediately if they ask for something you can’t afford. They may be disappointed, but not as much as on Christmas morning when they haven’t got what they wanted. Top up with bargain stocking fillers to keep some Christmas magic. 3 Stop fantasising about the perfect Christmas – it’ll never go according…

Health S.O.S Research has found that more than half of the UK defrost meat and fish at room temperature.* However, this isn’t safe, as thawing in this way increases bacteria growth. Instead, defrost in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Swap and see Love mulled wine but watching your alcohol intake? Try Robinsons Crushed Apple & Cinnamon Winter Edition Fruit Cordial, (£2.49, Tesco). It can be enjoyed hot or cold as an alcohol-free festive beverage this party season. Only 23% of us ask the doctor before taking supplements Almost 75% of us take supplements**, however, many are self-prescribing without first seeking the advice of a healthcare professional. When asked why they began taking supplements, a third surveyed said they read about them in an online…

1 People get fed up with the same old smellies which end up in the bathroom cabinet getting dusty. So pay attention to personalities – don’t buy frilly things for tomboys or assume someone will love any old handbag simply because it’s their favourite colour. And don’t buy tat that your sister will feel she has to put on display every time you visit. 2 Don’t assume it’s impersonal to buy someone a voucher – it means they get to choose something they’d really appreciate. I reckon it’s a lovely gesture. Perhaps mix it up by getting them a voucher to get their hair or nails done. 3 It’s great to surprise your loved ones, but there’s no harm in actually asking them what they’d like. Get them to write…

Deena Hayward, 27, Newport Cuddling my daughter Shantayah, 3, with one arm and draping the other around me, my boyfriend Jonathan, 30, beamed for the camera. ‘What a lovely photo!’ my mum Claire, then 48, smiled, handing me back my phone. It was Christmas Eve 2015 and we were staying over at Mum’s house. We’d just put out a glass of milk and a mince pie for Father Christmas, and a carrot for Rudolph. ‘Let’s get you to bed,’ I said to Shantayah as she leapt around excitedly. Once she was settled, Jonathan helped me wrap the shiny bike and Minnie Mouse rocking chair we’d bought her. I’d known Jonathan since our teens, we had mutual friends. We’d only ever been mates but I’d secretly fancied him for ages. Gradually,…

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After three days of deliberation, a jury of nine men and three women found Andrew Berry guilty of second-degree murder. The conviction came hand in hand with an automatic life sentence. Sarah sobbed with relief as the jury’s verdict came in In the  courtroom, Sarah Cotton sobbed with relief as the jury’s verdict came in, supported by her loved ones. Berry shamefully hung his head. Sarah Cotton said the verdict was an incredible relief after such a ‘long journey’. A friend of the family told reporters, ‘Thank God there was justice. But it’s just such a tragedy that it happened. ‘[Sarah’s] strength has been absolutely remarkable. She said every day she was “keeping strong for the girls”. Of course, she’s crushed, her heart is broken – but she has been…

I want to fly in 2020! QI haven’t left the UK in years as I’m scared of flying. I daren’t even join a fear-of-flying course! Maude, Hull A Being afraid of flying, or aerophobia, affects around one person in 10. Sufferers worry they’ll lose control during the flight and do something irrational like try to open the door, or simply that the plane will crash. You’re right that fear-of-flying courses, which claim success rates of over 95%, are often the best way to overcome your phobia. Many airlines offer them, besides local psychologists and, in some areas, NHS clinics. Usually a pilot will explain what’s going on during the flight, while a psychologist teaches techniques to control anxiety. Most courses end with a short flight, which is optional, though is…

Deborah, 53 Hiding my phone under a cushion, I smiled at my husband Steve as he sat on the sofa next to me. Gobbling a mince pie, his Christmas tissue-paper hat slanted across his head. I stared at the EastEnders festive special that once would’ve had me hooked. But all I could think about was the messages I’d just been sent. Sneaking a look at my phone when Steve popped to the kitchen, my pulse quickened. When are we next meeting, sexy? it read. Dozens of kisses at the end sent a rush through my body. ‘What are you up to on that thing?’ Sneaking a look at my phone, my pulse quickened My husband’s voice made me jump. ‘Just Facebook,’ I lied. It was Christmas Day 2015 and I…

Caroline Holder, 41, Ormskirk Seeing an empty plate piled high with a festive feast, my mouth began to water. And as I saw gravy drizzled over pigs in blankets, I heard my tummy rumble loudly. Cheeks flushing, I moved away from the serving hatch and turned to the waiting child in front of me. ‘Enjoy your meal and Merry Christmas!’ I sang in my best Mrs Claus voice, passing her a drink. The pupil took the tray and scuttled off. One Christmas lunch down, another 100 to go. It was December 2015, and the school where I worked as a dinner lady was filled with festive cheer. Nativity rehearsals in full swing, tinsel hanging in every corner of the assembly hall. Even the staff had been wearing their Christmas jumpers…

Zoe Sargent, 31, Beverley, East Yorkshire Collecting a tower of beer glasses, I faked a smile at my regulars as a pang of pain hit my stomach. It was the week before Christmas last year. In the middle of my third 13-hour shift in a row, I was exhausted. ‘I’ll be with you in a minute,’ I yelled to a punter as I poured pint after pint. Usually, despite the chaos, I loved the festivities. The twinkly lights that lined the bar, the smell of the turkey dinners served to Christmas parties. Only, this year, I’d felt unwell for weeks. In October, I noticed blood in my knickers, lost a bit of weight, as well. Then, in December, the stomach cramps hit. Just women’s problems... But my fiance James, then…

Posh party problem Q I’m dreading Christmas. We always go to my sister-in-law’s because she’s rich and loves to put on a lavish party. But she only invites us because my husband’s her brother. Her house is like a show home and she constantly says things like ‘I prefer it if the TV isn’t on as loud’ or ‘I’d prefer it if they didn’t eat crisps in the lounge’. My husband loves going, and doesn’t see a problem. She’s just so snobby and makes me and the kids feel like total slobs. Help! Jane, 33 A Christmas really brings out the different personalities in families and shines a light on any existing issues. She might be uptight – but, at the end of the day, she’s invited you, which is…

Wanda LeBlanc, 36 Sitting at the kitchen table, I was itching to open my gift. It was Christmas Eve last year and our family tradition was about to get underway. My grandma Elizabeth, 90, had passed it down from the generations before her. Ever since we were kids, we’d always opened one little stocking filler on the night before the big day. And now, even with kids of my own, I was still feeling as excited as ever. ‘Your turn, girls,’ my mum Kat, 54, said to me and my sister Tiffany, 34. Passing us identically wrapped gifts, Mum beamed. As I ripped off the paper, a box fell into my lap. ‘So we can find out about our heritage,’ Mum announced. It was a DNA kit. With a simple…

Coronation Street Tim’s a bigamist! When Tim hears Yasmeen and Geoff got married in Las Vegas, he’s shocked to realise a wedding in the gambling capital of the States is legally binding. It turns out he once married a flight attendant there but thought it was a joke, so he was married when he tied the knot with Sally! Will she find out? EastEnders Is Whitney in danger? Whitney’s thrilled when Leo books a night in a hotel for her birthday, but Callum’s suspicious that something isn’t right. After sharing his concerns with Tiffany, she calls Bianca, who reveals Leo’s true identity. Is Whitney in danger? Emmerdale Aaron turns killer? Aaron (left) continues his campaign of intimidation against Wendy, hoping it will drive her out of the village. When Wendy’s…

High on cocaine, popping ecstasy pills and smoking cannabis, Nathan Richardson, 19, partied through New Year’s Eve 2016. He was with friends at a house party in Preston. Happy New Year to all my loved ones, you know who you are!! he wrote on Facebook as the clock struck midnight. But the celebrations were just a short respite from his directionless life. He had a personality disorder and significant learning difficulties. Aged 12, he’d been removed from school, never to return. Coming from an intensely deprived background, things were going from bad to worse for Nathan. After leaving school, he’d clocked up 45 convictions over seven years, including attacks on police officers, assault and battery. But, each time, he avoided prison. As the celebrations came to an end on New…

3 ways to...  Have fun for less... You can slash the cost of going out 1 Cheap seats  You can bag cut-price last-minute theatre tickets if you sign up for free with Central Tickets, which offers tickets to West End shows, concerts, opera and comedy for usually £4 to £6.50 each.  The reason tickets are so cheap is because they're for venues that want their empty seats filled - but you'll need to keep quiet about how you got them! The majority of shows are in London and the Home Counties but some tickets are available for events elsewhere. Visit centraltickets.co.uk/apply to sign up and then use the invite code TIX to skip the waiting list. 2 Cut-price eats  Training restaurants at catering colleges can be great places to enjoy fab…

Are you fed up of exchanging gifts Secret Santa-style and ending up with something you just don't like? Then sign up to Elfster (elfster.com), which will organise your Secret Santa online. You set the budget and date you'll exchange gifts, then use it to invite the others to join in. Next, Elfster randomly assigns who is buying gifts for whom. But the bonus is you can create a wish list to give hints about what you'd really like. Plus you can ask questions anonymously to the person you're buying for to help get it right!…