Table of contents for 24-Jan-2019 in Chat

My husband Stephen and I decided to get married on a cruise ship in the middle of the sea, on the way to our honeymoon in Norway. It was fabulous! Amanda Hadley, Hayseech Busted! I think my cat Bob has found my secret chocolate stash. Frances Rutherford, Southbourne My son Harry looks so proud of himself. At 8 months old, he's just stood up in his cot for the first time! Vicky Graham, Keighley Look who I met in Wales, at Celtic Manor Celebrity Golf Cup. Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher! Ben Cottrell, Calne My son Olly loves going for walks in the park with his nanny and grandad. He's such a little poser! Chris Wellard, Chatham This is my mum and sister Jean in 1934. It was…

Years of shared dreams had turned Rahul Gupta and his girlfriend Taylor Gould into a tight-knit team. Meeting at university, they’d graduated together. While Taylor secured a good job, Rahul continued his studies. His girlfriend helping pay their bills. Taylor had beauty and brains, while Rahul was smart, kind, the world at his feet. Together, the pair were paving the road to success. So there was a lot to celebrate as the couple headed out to see in Rahul’s 24th birthday. On the evening of 13 October 2013, they bounced from bar to bar, threw back shots with Rahul’s long-time best friend, Mark Waugh, 23. The guys had clicked in high school and been firm mates ever since. Around midnight, the threesome became a foursome, with another friend joining them.…

Wendy Watkins, 37, Hull As a doctor scanned my little boy, my mind raced. Riley was just 5 years old but, recently, he’d given us cause for concern. It all began in April 2017. ‘Quick! Something’s wrong with Riley!’ my husband Chris had shouted from upstairs. Riley’s little body had gone limp at bath time. As I held him, I noticed the left side of his face drooping. He couldn’t lift his arms, and slurred if he tried to speak. But, by the time the paramedics arrived, Riley was back to his normal self. We hoped that the episode would be a one-off… We hoped it’d be a one-off. But the terrifying episode repeated itself every few weeks. Nights in hospital, visits to neurologists, scans – we searched for answers.…

Private itch Q The skin around my vagina is constantly itchy. What's wrong? Helen, Middlesbrough A Could be an infection such as thrush, inflamed skin after shaving, a psychological or sexual problem or a few rarer causes. Wear loose cotton undies, avoid soap in that area, try a thrush treatment, and see your GP if it doesn't clear. Veiny boobs Q My lovely large breasts are covered in ugly veins, especially when my period's due! What can I do? Kiana, Newham A Hormone changes during your cycle increase blood supply to your breasts and can cause breast veins to enlarge - pregnancy has the same effect. New veins should be checked, otherwise your best bet is concealer, weight loss and a well-fitting bra!…

Pressing Send on the text, a wave of disappointment crashed over me. It was the second time I’d had to cancel plans with my best friend, Jamie, 29. Don’t worry! he replied. We’d been looking forward to a concert for months. But for me, cancelling plans wasn’t unusual. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at just 5 months old, a little cold had the power to make me dangerously ill. Prone to infections, bacteria caught in the sticky mucus that built up in my lungs as a result of the genetic condition, often landing me in hospital. In fact I was in and out of there every couple of months. CF touched every part of my life. As a teenager in school, classmates stomped around, full of energy. Meanwhile, I had…

Aries 21 March - 20 April It’s you versus the boss. The difficulty is, both of you are right, but in different ways. Taking a step back will solve the problem for now - but a long-term solution will need careful negotiation. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May This week you open a door to a future that’s so big you feel dizzy just looking at it. Maybe you should stay where you are? No, this is your big break. There’s a lot to take in - but you’ll soon get used to it. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Some things are private, even to Geminis, who love to share every detail. Although you’re not doing anything…

Mushroom and lentil lasagne Serves 6 Prep: 15 min Cook: 1 hour 10 min • 3 aubergines, sliced lengthways • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 4tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 carrots, chopped • 200g green lentils • 600ml veg stock • 2tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2tbsp sun-dried tomato paste • 300g mushrooms, sliced • 500g frozen spinach • 250g pot quark • 200ml crème fraîche • 60g vegetarian Parmesan, grated • ½tsp ground nutmeg • 75g (2 large sheets) fresh lasagne • 1tsp dried oregano 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Arrange the aubergine slices on 2 large greased and lined baking sheets. Sprinkle over half the garlic and brush over 2tbsp oil. Cook for 15 min until the aubergines are tender. 2 Heat 1tbsp…

Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream, £7.95, weleda.co.uk The original skin food is a cult beauty classic, but can be a little heavy on oil-prone skin. The light version solves that problem – feeding your complexion with healing calendula, nourishing shea butter and soothing chamomile but with a silkier texture. Use on hands, face and body for a hydration hit. Rimmel Stay Satin Liquid Lip Colour in Redical, £5.98, Wilko Whether you’re staying in or heading out-out, this budge-proof lippy stays put for up to eight hours. The soft satin finish feels comfortable, but top with a slick of balm for extra hydration or to tone down the pigment-packed colour. Collection Lengthening Waterproof Mascara, £3.99, Superdrug  The tightly packed, super fine bristles mean every lash is coated for a wide-eyed…

Coronation Street Amy’s expecting a baby! After Steve and Tracy talked about having a baby, it looks like there may be a new addition to the family but it’s Amy who’s pregnant! Angry, Steve accuses Aadi of being the dad and, later, suspicions turn to Simon! Meanwhile, Amy wants a termination, but a scan soon changes her mind. Also, Roy visits his mum Sylvia, who’s been taken ill, but returns with sad news… Emmerdale Cain gets arrested! After confessing to Debbie that he killed her fiance Joe Tate, Cain has gone off the rails, so Charity goes to confront him about his behaviour, but is shocked when he tries to kiss her! To make matters worse, it’s caught on camera by Matty so Moira finds out, prompting her to make…

Spotting the familiar blue logo, the letter from NHS England meant one thing. My smear test was due. It was May 2016 – and like most women, I absolutely dreaded it. But I knew it was a good thing, essential for my health. Yet the thought of having a stranger poking around down there made me shudder. ‘I hate having to go,’ I groaned to a friend. ‘I know,’ she replied. ‘I get so worried with how everything looks down there.’ Feeling this way about a test that might save our lives was silly. Why should we care what our vaginas look like? That’s when I had an idea –I’d been making plaster casts since my uni days. After my girls, Connie, 9, and Bella, 8, arrived, I’d branched out.…

Starring Jim Carrey as Steve Russell and Ewan McGregor as Phillip Morris, I Love You Phillip Morris was released in 2009. Following the love story of the duo, it starts with Steve's time before jail. He's married to a woman called Debbie and even a member of the local police force. But working as an officer, he has a serious car accident. After this near-death experience, he re-evaluates his life and becomes open about his homosexuality. His new life involves an extravagant lifestyle, but he starts to dabble in crime, mainly cons and fraud. Ending up in jail, he meets Phillip Morris. Falling head over heels in love, he makes it his life mission for the couple to be together on the outside. For Steve Russell,…

Dear Malcolm, It seems like only yesterday that our eyes met in that pub in King’s Lynn. It was 1978 and I was a single mum on a rare night out. You were nine years older, and your blue eyes were full of kindness. I looked at you and saw my future… Four years later, I wore a simple white dress with a veil, you donned a black leather jacket and we exchanged vows. We celebrated with a pint down the local. Simple and sweet – just like our love. ‘I’m so happy to call you my wife,’ you beamed. ‘I’m so happy, too,’ I grinned. You were wonderful to my daughter Marianne, 4. When our daughter Vicky arrived a year later, our little family was complete. I gave up…

GUILTY In less than five hours, the jury found Rahul Gupta guilty of first-degree murder. Upon sentencing, Gupta spoke fondly of his former friend and victim, praising his talents, wit and kindness. But Judge Richard E Jordan believed these words to be another attempt at rewriting what had happened. Sentencing Gupta to life in prison, Jordan said, ‘It appears to be more deflection and a continuation of the narrative and of the lie, I don’t hear regret.’ On 24 March 2017, Gupta’s latest appeal was denied.…

Flaking feet! Q There's itchy, flaky skin between my toes. It's disgusting! Naomi, Portadown A Could be athlete's foot, a fungal infection. Ask your chemist for antifungal cream, wash between your toes daily and dry thoroughly, and wear shoes that let your feet breathe. Trainers trap sweat and create the warm, damp conditions fungus loves! Red eye Q I woke with a sore, red eye. The hospital diagnosed scleritis and gave me painkillers. Will it get better? Miranda, Wallasey AScleritis is inflammation of your sclera, the tough, white outer covering of your eyeball. Anti-inflammatory painkillers usually settle it. Around half of all cases appear out of the blue, but others can be due to problems such as arthritis, so you'll need tests to check. Swollen knee Q I twisted my…

Amy Howle, 29, Crewe With a smile, my mum Karen, 56, handed me the tiny, frilly, pink dress and I held it close, imagining the little girl who’d soon wear it. ‘I feel so lucky,’ I whispered, smiling through happy tears. ‘Me, too,’ my husband Richard, 33, agreed. Around us, our three gorgeous boys – Connor, 7, Tyler, 6, and Kian, 5 – were beaming from ear to ear, too. It was February 2018, and they’d all come along for my private, early gender scan. Mum was so thrilled, she’d rushed to the baby boutique next door and bought this dress. ‘Finally, I can indulge my love for pink baby clothes!’ she joked. And, over the next month, we did just that. Splurged on pink teddies, dresses, blankets… The wardrobe…

We rushed to Newcastle Freeman Hospital. Next day, I was wheeled through a set of double doors to theatre. ‘Are you cold?’ a kind nurse asked in the operating theatre, holding my shaking hand. ‘No, terrified,’ I explained. What if the operation goes wrong? It was a gamble I had to take. I’m so excited... Grateful for the air in my lungs Afterwards, I drifted in and out of consciousness. The doctors struggled to get me off the ventilator and I contracted sepsis. The pressure of it all sent my kidneys into failure. Things didn’t look good. But, kept in Intensive Care for six weeks, things slowly began to improve. I started rehab, learned to walk again. I felt like a grandma hobbling round the hospital on a walking frame.…

Reduce your premium with these top tips 1 Time it right It's essential to be organised if you want the best deal. An investigation by moneysavingexpert.com found that people are likely to get the cheapest price from a comparison site about three weeks in advance of the start date. A combined buildings and contents policy cost from £180 per year on average for those buying on the day, down to £148 for those who sorted it 21 days beforehand. 2 Key questions When you take out a policy, you will be asked all sorts of home security questions. If you don't have locks conforming to BS 3621 (British Standard), it can cost more. Join your Neighbourhood Watch scheme and fit a burglar alarm to reduce premiums. 3 Buy correct cover It's…

Sainsbury’s Love Your Veg! Sweet Potato Katsu Curry With Sticky Rice, £3 This meat-free version of a Japanese classic is an easy ready meal of crispy sweet potato, spicy coconut sauce and sticky rice. M&S Plant Kitchen Lasagne, £3 This meat-and dairy-free take on a classic Italian comfort food has a rich, glossy soy bechamel sauce and a hearty ragu that tastes so good you won’t miss the meat! Iceland No Bull Burgers, £2 This plant-based burger has a texture – and colour – just like the real thing! Tesco Wicked Kitchen Charred Pineapple Dream Cake, £4 Zingy pineapple and passion fruit top a smooth almond and vanilla layer on a tropical biscuit coconut crumb base. This cake has everything you’d want in a cheesecake – but without the cheese!…

1 Mark my words I use a deodorant with white-mark protection to avoid staining my clothes. Nivea Black & White Invisible Silky Smooth Anti-Perspirant, £2.29, Boots 2 Winter wonder  Dry winter skin needs all the help it can get. So add moisture at every step with a hydrating primer before your foundation. George Airbrush primer, £5.50, Asda 3 Sleep saviour  A good night’s sleep will show on your skin, so invest in a bath oil that will help you nod off. Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Bath Oil, £8.95, tisserand.com…

Q What are women supposed to do with the casts? Stephanie Ng, Musselburgh A Mostly, people use them as gifts for their partners, or display them in their homes. Maybe in the future, some of my casts could be used to help in sex education. Q Has anyone ever chickened out of having it done? Zoey James, Salisbury A Oh, absolutely! I've never pressured anyone into doing it if they're not comfortable, but I do try to encourage them to give it a go. It's good fun and doesn't take long. Q How do you advertise something like this? Surely it’s not something you just put on your website? Colleen Brunton, Enfield A It's mentioned on my Facebook page. And when I get round to making a website, I will…

A hairy dilemma Q I'm trying to grow a beard but can only manage a few, patchy wisps! Is there an oil or supplement I can try that will help? Jordan, Havant A Unless you're actually deficient, which is rare, vitamins or other supplements won't help. How fast and thick your beard grows is partly down to genetics, which you can't change. But you can help the process by keeping fit, avoiding stress and getting a decent night's sleep. Write to Dr Martin Edwards at Chat, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Or e-mail chathealth@ti-media.com Sorry, he can’t reply personally.…

Loungin’ Around Play for the Super Jackpot in Bingo Lounge. Every day there are cash prizes of up £2,000 to win on selected bingo games if a Full House is called on 49 numbers. Lounge back and enjoy the fun. Super Links Bingo just got even more exciting with the chance to win over £20,000 in our Super Link games! Join us in selected rooms every day for a chance to win from just 10p a ticket. Get ready for some super games. Play Off Palace When you win one line, two lines or a Full House playing Sapphire Bingo or certain Session Bingo games, you will not only scoop your cash prize, but also six free tickets to play bingo in a big Daily and Weekly Bingo game in…

2008: TRIAL OF THE COMMON MURDERER Rachel Nickell was walking with her toddler son on London's Wimbledon Common in 1992 when she was murdered. It was years before her attacker Robert Napper was brought to justice. But on 24 January 2008, Napper pleaded not guilty to Rachel's murder, sending the case to trial. He finally pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and is held indefinitely at Broadmoor Hospital. 1967: ‘BOSTON STRANGLER' JAILED On 18 January 1967, Albert DeSalvo, believed to be The Boston Strangler, was sentenced to life for assault and armed robbery in Connecticut. DeSalvo claimed he slayed 13 women, aged 19-85, sexually assaulted them and then strangled them to death in their homes. But he was never charged with the murders due to lack…

Call the Midwife BBC1 As the eighth series of the medical drama continues, Annette Crosbie stars as elderly patient Clarice Millgrove, who has a nasty and odorous leg ulcer. But, as nurse Lucille discovers, that's just the beginning of the old woman's problems… Clarice is a hoarder living alone among piles of rubbish, books and food tins. Lucille wants to help, but is Clarice willing to accept it? Elsewhere, Trixie makes a discovery that has devastating consequences for a mum-to-be and her family. Plus haberdasher Violet puts herself forward in the upcoming council elections. Tin Star SKY ATLANTIC The thriller picks up where it left off in the second series with detective Jim Worth (Tim Roth) cut off in the wilderness. When Jim’s daughter Anna is taken in by the…

HASTINGS 1 Known for the battle in 1066, there’s lots to see and do. The Norman ruins of Hastings Castle are worth a visit. EASTBOURNE 2 A resort town on England’s southeast coast, its seafront is scattered with gorgeous Victorian hotels. The 19th-century pier and a 1930s bandstand still stand. BRIGHTON 3 About an hour outside of London, it’s a popular day-trip destination. Its broad shingle beach is backed by amusement arcades while it’s widely known for its nightlife, arts scene, shopping and festivals.…

Simply priceless The story Love In A Biscuit Tin really struck a chord with me. After my grandmother Mary died aged 90, I inherited a box of her diaries that go back to the 1950s. Like Denise French in the story, I was intrigued by things that happened in my family before I was born. I miss my gran, but reading her diaries makes me feel close to her. I'll never part with them. To me, they're priceless. Joanne Wilkinson, Sheffield Protect the planet I read that Kenya has gone to huge lengths to stop plastic bag usage. Introducing a law that threatens four years in jail, or a fine of £31,000, for anyone found manufacturing, selling or even carrying a plastic bag. It’s a pity…