Table of contents for 8 June 2023 in Chat

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WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 Which sporting figure’s autobiography did singer Olly Murs find ‘amazing and insightful’? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Swiss city (6) 12 Places where books are kept (9) 13 Part of a church (4) 14 Kids (8) 15 Requirements (5) 16 Fluid (6) 17 Cooked in an oven (7) 18 Novel by Charles Dickens (6,5) 20 Arm joint (5) 22 Tried (9) 24 Journal (5) 28 Little by little (7) 25 South American country (7) 32 Legal professional (6) 34 Really (8) 36 Certain (8) 37 English county (6) 39 Restricted (7) 40 Prop up (7) 45 Archery missile (5) 47 Artificial (9) 48 Divine messenger (5) 51 Self-sufficient (11) 53 Tom_,actor who plays Spider-Man (7) 55 Large mounted gun (6) 56 Electric shock weapon (5) 58 Actor, _ Lyndhurst (8) 59 One who i nherits (4) 60 Expenses (9) 61…

Q Sometimes my eight-year-old son’s testicles disappear! He can pull them up into his body – is that normal? Klara, Barrow A It’s a neat trick, called retractile testicles, that many grown men would love to be able to copy! There’s a muscle that pulls the testicle out of the scrotum (ball bag) and up into the pelvis. Known as the cremaster muscle, it’s strong and active in young boys, who can often pull their testicles up out of sight either deliberately or through sudden cold, excitement or anxiety. Sadly, the muscle withers with age and this superpower disappears after puberty. Check when your son’s relaxed in a warm bath. Provided both testicles reach the bottom of his scrotum there’s no need for concern. If they only fall halfway, or…

Q I hate my small, flat nipples. Boosting cream hasn’t helped – am I using the wrong one? Pippa, Huntingdon A There are several nippleenhancement creams that you can buy. Some contain hormones such as oestrogen, or chemicals from plants that mimic their action, and others inflame your skin to leave it swollen. Some women swear by these creams, but there’s not much scientific evidence that they work. Most doctors think the amount of hormone absorbed through the skin is too small to have any effect. Creams that cause swelling have a very temporary effect, which you can mimic with ice cubes! If you have inverted nipples that are partly or completely buried then gentle massage, and a nipple shield under your bra might help. Or if you’re really unhappy…

Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p5. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Nicola Richardson, Withyham, East Sussex WIN 5 × £20 Puzzle 6 ACROSS 1 Of similar nature 2 Agadoo 1980s pop band, Black _ 3 Flowering succulent plant genus 4 _ off, party for a person who is leaving DOWN 1 Phrase used to express unhappiness 2 Dark green leafy veg 3 A person or thing admired and influential 4 Requiring something because it is essential Your answer:…

Jealous streak Q I found out that my best friend has been sleeping with my daughter. He’s old enough to be her dad! But I can’t help but feel a bit jealous as he used to fancy me but now he’s moved onto someone younger. Is it time for me to cut him out of my life completely? Lucy, 54 A Gosh, I can imagine this was a bit of a shock for you. But as long as everyone is consenting and of legal age, there’s not much you can do, pet. If they’re going to be in a relationship, you will still have to see him. You don’t have to have the same relationship with your best friend as before, but you will need to be cordial towards him as your…

3 ways to… SAVE ON FOOD 1 Knowledge is power When you’re at the supermarket, get in the habit of checking the prices of your usual products so that you’ll get to know how much they normally cost; it’ll make it easier to spot any price increases and also make it easier to spot any good deals, too. But beware when it comes to offers, especially if it’s on fresh produce and will mean buying a bigger pack than you had planned to. Ask yourself if you’ll eat the items in time or if you can freeze them to avoid the risk of them going to waste. And for a quick way to compare prices at different supermarkets try using trolley.co.uk’s Supermarket Comparison App, which compares prices of 200,000+ products across…

2-8 June 2023 Aries 21 March-20 April Take a stand. Walk to the beat of your own drum. Go for what you want. It’s time to be innovative, and use your talents differently. It’ll benefit others, too. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May With Jupiter moving into your sign last week, you will now start to feel more confident about achieving your goals. So, think big and don’t compromise! • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June You may be feeling extra energised this week. Tune into it and put that vibe to good use by helping someone close to you who has been struggling lately. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Venus is still in your…

Q I’m finally giving up the straighteners – what should my curly-hair routine be? Rihanna Hughes, Brighton A Good for you! The first thing to accept with curly hair is that it is unlikely to look the same from one day to the next – and that’s kind of the beauty of it. It needs a lot of TLC to keep it happy, so start by shampooing with a sulphate-free shampoo like Imbue Curl Liberating Shampoo, £8.99, Superdrug. Sulphates can strip moisture from the hair, so avoiding them will help your spirals hold on to hydration. Double down on this by following with a nourishing mask such as Umberto Giannini Thirsty Curls Dehydration SOS Curl Treatment Mask, £9.95, Boots. It will really help with the transition period as your hair…

Chat winners issue 10 (9 Mar 2023) £1,001 CASH C Armstrong, Coventry £500 CASH C Rhodes, Epsom K Garner, Dudley £250 CASH J Mooney, Bathgate S Pickles, Doncaster £200 CASH K Young, Limavady £100 CASH H Espie, Omagh P Clayton, Ilkley J Jebbett, Birmingham £75 CASH J Lloyd, Paignton £50 CASH L Musson, Tilbury S Duffy, Pershore M McKay, Bromsgrove H Fountain, Kettering G Thornton, Birkenhead Mrs Cameron, Wishaw £40 CASH L Burridge, Christchurch £30 CASH P Dawson, Manchester M Hitcham, Lowestoft £25 CASH A Sharp, Tillicoultry S G Schofield, Crowborough Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH A Mascall, Shepton Mallet A Hodge, Plymouth P Lennon, Redditch D Brown, Aylesbury P Donaldson, Ayr A Marchant, Telford L Sugden, Bishop Auckland J O’Higgins, Winsford D Appleyard,…

NORA KEREZOVIC, 50, FROM RICHMOND-UPON-THAMES, SURREY, SAYS: I’m nominating fabulous care worker Mary Hague as my local hero. Mary, 47, supports four elderly women at a bungalow in Whitton. Helping them to keep their independence, Mary is on call no matter the time, day or night. She even gave up her Christmas to care for the four women. One lady in particular, Susan, shares an incredible bond with Mary. They’ve known each other for more than 20 years. Mary is Susan’s key care worker. Susan has learning difficulties, a stoma bag and uses a wheelchair. But that doesn’t stop her getting involved in activities - thanks to Mary’s support. They even communicate with Makaton when Susan doesn’t want to talk. In 2021, Mary and the Woodlawn team won a Dignity…

Marine Biomedical are aiming to develop a bone substitute from what substance? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Long beam on a mast (7) 2 _ Mash, 1962 novelty song (7) 3 Lifelike, or pragmatic (9) 4 Paper thrown at weddings (8) 5 (Of rocks) formed from solidified lava or magma (7) 6 Place of refuge, asylum (9) 7 Egg part (4) 8 Large marsupial (8) 9 Completely unaware (9) l0 Canonised holy person (5) 11 Type of newspaper (7) 12 Timothy _, James Bond actor (6) 13 Male relative (6) 14 West Indies cricket team nickname (7) 15 Spanish wine punch (7) 16 Crocodile relative (9) Your answer:…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! Slipping on her shades, Kimberley McRae stepped out other flat and into the bright sunshine of Coogee, New South Wales. Heading to a Bondi Junction post office in January 2020, she loved her seaside hometown. A little more chilled than its neighbour Bondi, Coogee was just as stunning, with clear waters and an expanse of white sandy beach. She adored its laid-back vibe and enjoyed the vibrant cafe, bar and restaurant scene, where she made many close friends. Kimberley was a wellknown local personality, often spotted out exercising and turning heads. At 6ft 2in, with a mane of long blonde hair and enviable curves, she cut a striking figure. And her looks were what she’d built her escort business upon. Double life A self-employed sex worker, her…

Is my girl contagious? Q My little girl’s off school with hand, foot and mouth disease. Is it serious and could I catch it? Dara, Derry A Hand, foot and mouth is common in children, particularly during summer, and can spread quickly through school or nursery. It’s a virus infection that passes from person to person and you could catch it, although it’s unlikely in an adult. Usually there’s a day or two of sore throat and fever, then blisters appear inside the mouth and on hands and feet. The blisters clear within a week to 10 days, sometimes leaving rough red skin for a few days. Symptoms are generally mild and there’s no need for treatment apart from paracetamol and lots to drink. Your daughter should stay off while…

1 Iceberg lettuce: 95.6% water ‘It’s recommended that we have a minimum of two litres of water a day, but this can be supplemented with fruit and veg,’ says nutritionist Saba Stone (saboush.com). ‘While not as nutritious as dark greens, iceberg lettuce is very hydrating and it has decent amounts of folate, vitamin K and A. Plus, it’s one of the lowest calorie foods.’ Aim for a salad for lunch and a side plate of salad at dinner. 2 Celery: 95% water ‘Rich in fibre, vitamin K and potassium, for a filling and hydrating snack, pair celery with some low-fat Greek yogurt dip or cream cheese with herbs – these are great sources of protein and small amounts of fat,’ says Saba. Thanks to the high content of vitamin K and potassium,…

TRUE-LIFE Reaching the peak of Ben Nevis in August 2020, I admired the view of the mountain range below. ‘We did it!’ my son Caeden, then 8, cheered as he high-fived his dad Alan, 38. As our other two kids, Khya, then 10, and Ashton, 8, caught up, along with our dog Tesha, we had a big family hug. Climbing to the top of Britain’s highest mountain was an incredible achievement for all of us. It was extra special for Caeden, who was born with cerebral palsy. We were told he’d likely never walk or speak. But Alan never gave up hope on his boy. He did exercises with him every day, got him strong enough to take his first steps. ‘I’m so proud of you,’ Alan beamed at Caeden,…

Q My partner is in a wheelchair. He has no sensation from the nipples down and it causes real problems in the bedroom, which means we hardly ever have sex. We’ve been together for three years and I love him but this is putting a strain on our relationship. What can we do? Marie, 49 A Penetration isn’t the only way to be intimate, love. There’s so much more you can do together. Have a conversation, tell him how you’re feeling and explore new ways to be close, whether holding hands, cuddling, kissing. But if this still leaves you feeling like your ‘love cup’ isn’t filled then maybe this relationship isn’t for you. There’s no shame in admitting that you’re not compatible with someone.…

Coconut macaroons Chewy and chocolatey, these addictive biscuits taste just like a Bounty bar. MAKES 12 PREP 10 MINS COOK 20 MINS • 1 egg white • 45g caster sugar • 1tsp almond extract • 100g desiccated coconut • 45g dark chocolate, melted 1 Heat the oven to 140C Fan/ Gas 3. Whisk the egg white until just firm. Add the sugar and almond extract, and whisk together. Fold in the coconut. 2 Spoon large, walnut-sized blobs of the mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 10-15 mins, until turning golden on top. Let the macaroons cool on the tray. 3 Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Dip the base of each biscuit into the melted chocolate and return,…

Walking from the pub, my date’s arm slung around my shoulders, I felt a flicker of happiness. It was December 2017, and I’d met David, then 43, on Tinder. A handsome police officer with a cracking sense of humour, I thought he was just what I needed after a few failed relationships. Reaching my car, I felt him squeeze my shoulder. ‘Want to come back to mine?’ he chuckled. ‘I’ve got snakes.’ I laughed. ‘Bet you say that to all the girls,’ I replied. David kissed me on the cheek, said goodbye. I watched him go, thinking he was the funniest bloke I’d met in ages. We’d giggled all night over a shared love of action movies. Knowing that he was a police officer made me feel safe too. And…

Collection Vit Hit Vitamin Fix Brow Gel, £4.99, Superdrug Groomed brows, rather than unruly ones, are an easy way to make your face look more put together. This gel fixes brows in place, with the added benefit of vitamin C to strengthen. The clear shade is ideal for a no-make-up make-up look, and you don’t need to worry about smudging. Brush brows upwards for a fluffy finish or sideways for a sleeker look. Essence Juicy Bomb Shiny Lipgloss in Poppin' Pomegranate, £1.29, Wilko Leave flat, matte lips behind and embrace high shine for summer. This gloss has a fruity scent and a hint of tint for days when you don’t want to worry about the maintenance of full-on lipstick. At this price, we want one in every flavour. Keep one…

Dear Rufus, A ll children, except one,grow up… That’s the first line from Peter Pan, one of my favourite books. But until you were born, I had no idea how much it could mean. In March 2020, me and your daddy Billy, then 35, found out that you were in my tummy. One of the happiest moments of our lives. Our first child. At 20 weeks, we found out that you were a boy, picked out the name Rufus. ‘It means red-headed,’ I said. And even though Daddy and I had dark hair, I just knew it would suit you. As you grew, I treasured each tiny kick. Painted your nursery and picked out clothes. But then, at 39 weeks, I woke up and couldn’t feel you moving. We went…

TRUE-LIFE At 3.30pm like clockwork the front door slammed and my son Dylan, 13, swaggered into the kitchen. ‘What can I eat, Mum?’ he asked, dumping his school bag on the table. Typical teenage boy. Always hungry. After rifling through the cupboards, he scurried up to his room and I heard the familiar sound of him turning on his PlayStation. It was June 2014, and Dylan was obsessed with video games. He played online with his mates, and I’d hear him laughing down his headset. Only breaking off to come down for his tea and do his homework. Later, as I headed to bed, I saw the telltale blue glow under his door. ‘Oi, it’s 10pm. Time for bed,’ I said, popping my head round the door to find him…

Richard Roose, a cook accused of poisoning in 1531, is perhaps the first person to be statutorily executed in England in what way? Make three nine-letter words using all of these three-letter sections and enter them in the grid as the starter letters indicate. Then make an anagram of the letters in yellow squares for the answer to this question. ERY ONS ABA NED SSI JEW GMI NDO ELL WIN 5 × £20 Puzzle 3 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

STYLE TIP Treat matching trousers and tops as a chic, easy to wear jumpsuit. Cost per wear you’ll also get three outfit options for the price of two! STYLE TIP Give a silky jumpsuit a tailored spin with a smart blazer. For the beach, add a printed headscarf, slides and a basket bag. STYLE TIP Empire-line tops are perfect for wearing untucked to disguise the tummy area. Wear with slim trousers to balance out the wide shape. STYLE TIP Don’t forget, button-up dresses can be worn open over jeans or swimwear. Tie the belt in a bow at the back to give it a flattering shape.…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Head groggy, I blinked my eyes open to see a nurse peering over me. ‘You’re in hospital, love,’ she smiled. It was June 2019, and I was in Milton Keynes University Hospital, having just had a second laparoscopy to look inside my abdomen. Sinking back against the pillows, waiting for the surgeon to bring me the results, I thought about the journey that led me here. I’d suffered painful periods since I was 13. Always in agony. Assumed this what periods were like. But in my early 20s, I realised that something wasn’t quite right. My GP prescribed strong painkillers, yet they never worked. In the meantime, I found it hard to live my life. Couldn’t go out or socialise with mates. Struggled to work full time…

Opening the door to her mum and brother, Nicole Zavala, 30, takes a deep breath. ‘Don’t look at me like that!’ Nicole says to her mum Gladys. But there’s a reason Gladys has a worried grimace etched on her face. Her daughter is looking very different from the last time she saw her. Despite being warned that she’s overdoing things, Nicole has just had her boobs enlarged - for the fourth time. And that’s not all. She’s had more filler injected into her lips. Had her cheeks done too. And now she’s revealing the results of $20,000 (£16,000) of plastic surgery to her family. A special 30 th birthday gift to herself! 'I got my boobs done and I got more filler in my face. I got my cheeks, my…

Q My dad’s becoming harder to look after, due to the fact he has dementia. He recently set fire to his kitchen curtains and flooded his bathroom. I think living in a home would be the best thing for him but my mum begged us to take care of him before she died. My brother and I are not in the best position healthwise to care for him and the care we pay for just isn’t enough. Peggy, 67 A Oh, sweetheart. I can understand not wanting to go against your mum. But your dad deserves the care he needs. There’s no way to be sure how dementia will progress and when you made that promise, you thought that you could cope, lovey. You’re not putting him in a home because…

Slumping on the sofa after a long day, I threw my hand into a super-size bag of baked salted crisps. Polished it off before trudging to bed. All those extra calories, I thought guiltily when I woke up the next morning. To make up for it I tried to eat sensibly all day. Until the pre-bedtime hunger pangs kicked in again and I found myself crunching on crisps and fistfuls of trail mix. A regular pattern. It was 1994 and I was a full-time lawyer, and married mum of two boys, Aaron, then 5, and Jacob, 2. Life was busy. ‘I just don’t have time for self-care,’ I moaned to my hubby Elliot, then 33. Unhappy with the extra pounds I was lugging around, I was always trying the latest…

The British Soap Awards ITV1 & ITVX ● Stars from Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks gather at The Lowry in Manchester for the awards bash that celebrates another great year in British soap. Among the categories is Best Leading Performer, which sees Emmerdale’s Sally Dexter and Dominic Brunt and EastEnders’ Danielle Harold and Shona McGarty go head-to-head for the award alongside Corrie’s Charlotte Jordan. Other awards up for grabs include Villain of the Year, Best Family, Scene of the Year and the most anticipated of the night, Best British Soap! DON’T MISS DON’T MISS A Wright Family Holiday BBC1 ● Former TOWIE star Mark Wright takes his dad, Mark Snr, and younger brother, Josh, on a tour of the UK, visiting places they’ve never been to before. The…

Nivea Sun Triple Protect SPF50+, £14.50, Boots Hate the heaviness of sun cream? This lightweight formula absorbs almost instantly for an invisible finish with plenty of protection. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Conditioner, £11.99, Boots This clever conditioner rebuilds the bonds in our hair that can be broken by things like heat styling, bleaching and too much brushing. Expect stronger hair in a few uses. Dr. PawPaw Your Gorgeous Skin 3 in 1 Cleansing Balm, £15, lookfantastic.com Don’t want the hassle of using more than one cleanser? This balm refreshes in the morning and makes light work of make-up at the end of the day. Lush Deep Sleep Bath Bomb, £5, Lush Add this cube to running water to enjoy the relaxing scent of lavender, neroli oils and camomile, plus the…

The smiling faces of Nathaniel Carrier and his two children beamed out from his social media page. A doting father to Bentlee, then 7, and little sister Kendrah, 5. It was March 2020 and Nathaniel was proudly posting a stream of happy photographs of his family. His parents Sandra and Denis, both 56, were relieved that their son appeared so content. He’d separated from the mother of his children, Heather, five years before. And after their son’s break-up, his parents had let him move back home. Nathaniel saw the kids at weekends, making the most of his time with them. Taking them to the theatre with his mum, laughing and joking. But while all the photos he posted online painted a perfect picture, Nathaniel had another online life. And it…