Table of contents for 29-Aug-2019 in Chat

When Gemma sat down to watch a true crime TV show, what she saw gave her a fright – and landed her boyfriend in jail (p12). Catherine’s story will infuriate anyone who’s looking after an elderly parent. Now she’s fighting for a law in her late dad’s name (p42). And when Lisa’s marriage hit breaking point, she gave her hubby a surprising ultimatum (p31). We’re all about keeping it simple this week, with a round-up of cool statement T-shirts (p14) and fake tan that’s cheap and foolproof (p39). Not forgetting the prize puzzles that you love, plus a chance to win a trip to Paris (p28). Ooh la la!…

The State District Judge ruled that Sofya Tsygankova was not guilty of murdering her children by reason of insanity. Hearing the verdict, Sofya closed her eyes and was embraced by her lawyer. In the end, the prosecutors didn’t argue against the insanity verdict. Sofya was committed to a Texas state mental hospital indefinitely. ‘She adored those babies,’ said her lawyer Rose Anna Salinas. ‘I know there’s going to be people that are going to say justice wasn’t done. That she should have been punished. This woman did not need to be punished for something she didn’t even realise was wrong at the time. ‘She does have to live with this for the rest of her life. It’s the saddest, most tragic thing that a parent could possibly ever go through.’…

We make love and I cry! Q After sex I burst into tears - but it's freaking my partner out! Lily, Ashby-de-la-Zouch A It's common and could affect up to half of us after sex due to a combination of hormones released during orgasm, chemical changes in the brain and sometimes factors such as guilt or worry about sex. It's normal but you could get counselling. Too shy to show boobs! Q The skin below my breasts is sore; can I treat and not go to my GP? Kelly, Crowthorne A When the creases under your breasts rub, it causes irritation. Fungus infection thrives in those covered, warm, moist conditions. Use antifungal cream, wash and dry regularly and allow air to the area. If it doesn't clear, see your GP.…

Hilary Andrews, 79, Leeds As my daughter’s front door swung open, I saw one of my favourite sights in the world. Three of my grandkids, running towards me, arms outstretched for a hug! ‘Grandma’s here!’ they chirped cheerily. It was spring 2018, and I’d just arrived at my daughter Sarah’s in Bristol. I was a proud grandmother of eight, aged between 9 and 23. While I lived in Leeds, my three grown-up children and their families were spread across Manchester, Bristol and Taunton. But, even though I was 78, I was still sprightly, loved being able to jump into my car and visit when I wanted. And, when I was there, to spoil them rotten! Since qualifying as a doctor in 1963, I’d travelled the world as a sexual-health consultant.…

Aries 21 March - 20 April Do you know a good thing when you see it? Not always. Sometimes you’re too focused on the job in hand to think about anything else. A new person at work could change things for the better. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May A hot couple of weeks ahead for your love life, it seems. How this works depends on your own situation: if you’re single, you soon won’t be; if you’re already together, you’ll get closer, and so on. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Nifty footwork needed now, to keep you on the right side of your boss and another workmate, and at the same time avoid making a firm…

Catherine Walker, 40, Northwich My mum Barbara sounded worried, as we chatted on the phone in October 2017. ‘Your dad wandered off looking for our car at the airport,’ she fretted. ‘Even though I’d told him we were getting a taxi.’ They’d just got back from holiday in Spain. My dad George Stenhouse, 67, had always been so bright and full of energy. Working as an electrician, he could fix anything. Dad was so bright, full of energy – sociable, too He was sociable, too – he loved a night at the pub with me and my brother Andrew, then 33. But he’d recently become forgetful, suffering tremors, weight loss, insomnia, getting his words mixed up. He couldn’t recognise characters in his favourite soaps. He’d been unsteady on his feet,…

Coronation Street Jan returns for Eileen After bringing down the human trafficking ring, Jan should be starting a new life with a new identity, but he risks everything this week to come back for Eileen. She’s shocked to discover he was a police informant - and even more stunned when he asks her to move to Amsterdam with him. What they don’t realise is that they’re being watched by Rachel… Will they get to tiptoe through the tulips or are they heading into danger? Emmerdale Frank is laid to rest It’s the day of his funeral, and the villagers still think Frank’s responsible for the factory fire which killed him. As Tracy tries to prove to the locals that her dad didn’t start the blaze, she’s angry when her sister…

Sal Greenwood, 41, Doncaster Speaking to my sister Ruth, then 29, on the phone, I plastered on a smile. ‘I’m so happy for you! I cried. She’d just told me she was pregnant and I wasn’t fibbing. I was chuffed for her. But even she knew it was tinged with the greatest envy and an overwhelming sadness. It was 2013, and my husband Dave, then 33, and I were trying for a baby, too. Only, we’d been trying for 13 agonising years. Every time I saw a pregnant woman, I tortured myself with questions. Why not me? Why not us? I was only 21 when I’d married Dave, 21, in June 2001. We started trying, assumed our announcement would soon follow, but it never did. We’d had tests. Dave’s sperm…

Shaz Hetherington, 42, Woodford Green Mingling at the office Christmas party, I spotted a man in the centre of the room. He was surrounded by laughing, enthralled colleagues. Who’s that? I wondered. He seemed irresistible. As my friend introduced me, I blushed. ‘So you’re Shaz!’ the handsome stranger grinned. We worked in different departments of a bank, and after chatting, we parted ways to enjoy the rest of party. But a few months later, our eyes met across the office. ‘I’m David,’ he reminded me. Chit-chat and banter then followed. David’s one-liners had me in stitches. ‘Go on a date with me?’ he asked. I fancied him but felt cautious as he was a colleague so turned him down. David didn’t give up. Eight months later, in August 2006, he…

Gemma Marshall, 40, Middlesbrough Handing my boyfriend Christopher, 36, a cuppa, my hands were shaking. It was July 2018, and he’d been moody all evening. My heart was in my mouth as he took a gulp, pulled a face. ‘Are there three sugars in this?’ he spat. ‘Nnnno,’ I stuttered. In spring 2017, Christopher hit me for the first time ‘There better not be,’ he boomed furiously. But my whole body was trembling. I knew just what was coming. Sure enough, Christopher put down his tea and grabbed my arm. He punched me hard in the face. I felt the room spin and I fell to the floor. ‘Stop, please!’ I cried, as he kicked me repeatedly in the right leg. Pain shot through me. I tried to push myself…

Nicki Guthrie-Hume, 37, Fife When my doctor asked me if there were any allergies in the family, I said there was only one. Eczema. It was January 2017 and I was with the GP running through the usual pregnancy checks. My doctor told me there was a 50:50 chance my baby could have eczema too. But I didn’t worry. I’d grown up with the skin condition, knew exactly how to deal with it. At least, that’s what I thought... In October 2017 I went into labour. ‘It’s a boy!’ announced my midwife 10 hours later. After checking him over, she brought him back to me. ‘He’s gorgeous,’ I cooed. My partner Neil, then 30, and I couldn’t drag our eyes away from him. We named him Cameron. Despite being a…

Vickie Harkness, 29, Carlisle Sinking into the sofa, I ran my fingertips over my forehead. ‘I’ve got a pounding headache,’ I told my wife Shona. It was March 2016, and I’d felt poorly all day. ‘Maybe you need to sleep it off,’ Shona, then 27, said. So I took paracetamol and went bed. My body heavy with tiredness, I fell asleep quickly. But the next morning I didn’t feel any better. Climbing from beneath the duvet, I felt dizzy. I battled to get dressed for work as the excruciating headache kept throbbing. I’m too weak for this, I realised. I couldn’t move or speak – felt like a zombie So I called in sick to my job as a sports team leader ‘I’ve got the flu,’ I told my manager.…

Asian ribs with fresh coleslaw Serves: 4 Prep: 10 min, plus marinating time Cook: 3 hours 30 min • 1kg pork belly baby back ribs • 2tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2tbsp soy sauce • 2tbsp barbecue sauce • 2tbsp brown sugar • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced • 4 sweet potatoes • ½ each white and red cabbage, shredded • 2 carrots, grated • 1tbsp Dijon mustard • 1tbsp cider vinegar • 1tbsp soft brown sugar • 3tbsp mayonnaise 1 Heat the oven to 140C, Gas 1. 2 Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the ribs, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 min, skimming any fat. 3 Place the ribs in a large roasting tin and season. 4 Mix the balsamic…

In all honesty, I think it was an empty threat. I loved him, he was still my husband. I was just so worried about him – about us – that I felt I needed to do something drastic for him to finally make a change. And as my words rang home, Simon looked shocked. ‘I’ll try,’ he vowed, sighing. But I knew it’d take more than me nagging him now. He needed to see that losing that amount of weight was possible. So when one of the ladies at a walking group where I volunteered told how she’d lost 10st with Slimming World, it was a light-bulb moment. This is it, I thought. That evening I told Simon all about her. ‘It could really work for you,’ I pleaded. He…

Sick of seeing your hard-earned cash disappear on travel? See if you can slash your bill with these tips... 1 Share the love  Car sharing with a colleague could drastically reduce the cost of your commute. You could take turns driving or decide a weekly contribution if just one person drives. If you don't know anyone you can car share with, check out sites like liftshare.com to find someone in your area. Don't forget to look at their online tips on how to stay safe. 2 In the saddle  Is it possible to cycle? You could save cash, not to mention skip that crowded train! Before you invest in a new bike, check if your employer is a member of the Government's Cycle to Work scheme. This gives you the chance…

1 Skincare Skincare is the most important thing to consider for a long lasting make-up look. For normal to dry skin use a serum and moisturiser, even better if it has SPF. For combination skin prep with Bioderma Sébium Mat Control, £8.25, to keep shine well away. 2 Prime and base I’d recommend using a primer, they’re a secret weapon to ensuring your make-up lasts. ( Chat loves Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, £7.99). Then, my favourite long lasting BB, Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream, £15.80, which is great for skin prone to redness. 3 Setting spray If you want your make-up to last, you need a setting spray. My latest obsession is Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater, £7 – it works wonders if you…

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A spokesman for HC-One - the company that owns Avandale Lodge - said, ‘Mr Kufa was employed by a temporary staffing agency and worked at our home in early 2018. ‘His behaviour goes against everything we stand for as an organisation, and we handle these concerns in the strongest possible way. ‘When his behaviour first came to light, we immediately made sure he did not work in any of our homes again. ‘We subsequently provided all possible support to the affected resident and their loved ones and did everything we could to help the police investigation. ‘We fully support the court's decision and retain a zero-tolerance approach any behaviour which goes against our ethos of kindness.'…

Q Why did you never give up on your dreams of becoming parents? A We are both so stubborn! Each time one of us wanted to, the other would be so encouraging and supportive. We were a shoulder to cry on. I couldn't have done it without Dave. As Christians, our faith got us through some of the toughest times too. Q What advice would you give to others struggling to conceive? A Be open with your partner if things aren't going well, and try to support each other. Go to a doctor if you're worried - don't wait too long to seek help with fertility issues. And grasp every opportunity that you have for tests and treatment. Q Now you have your twin boys, is motherhood what you imagined?…

Shortly before 6am on 28 September 2016, a hooded figure was prowling around Cardiff city centre. Lying in wait. Chilling CCTV footage shows Andrew Saunders, 20, walking through the deserted streets with his head down, wearing a black hooded top, dark gloves and carrying a bag. There were two kitchen knives inside. Meanwhile, Zoe Morgan, 21, and her boyfriend Lee Simmons, 33, were walking to the Matalan store where Zoe was due to start work at 6am. And unknowingly into the path of Saunders. As they arrived at the store, he pounced. First stabbing Lee, before chasing Zoe across the street and stabbing her in the back. Neither survived. But this was no random act of violence. In fact, the events preceding this double stabbing on the streets of Cardiff…

Chantal Kingswood, 39, Brighton Smiling, I watched my 14-month-old Reggie open and close the cabinet drawers. ‘Having fun there, mister?’ I cooed. He found it hilarious. Far more exciting than all the bright, noisy toys we’d bought him. Next he spotted his grandfather’s glasses case. ‘Here we go again, Grandad,’ I laughed to my 34-year-old partner Adam’s dad Arthur, 65. ‘Let’s see if he walks this time,’ Arthur replied. For weeks Reggie had been pulling himself up to standing, cruising round the furniture. Was today the day he’d finally take his first steps? Reggie suddenly looked at me, cautious – yet determined. Lifted his leg – and took a step forward. Then another. And as he waddled towards his grandad, we cheered him on. ‘Well done, Reggie,’ I clapped as…

Return of MS QI was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). I'm fine now but could it come back? Ailsa, Dunblane A MS means damage to the insulating sheath around nerve cells, often causing eyesight, bladder or balance problems, leg weakness or dizziness. Usually attacks come and go, though how often, and how severely, varies from one person to another. For more info, visit mssociety.org.uk. Sudden grey hair Q My aunt says her hair suddenly turned grey after she witnessed a bad car crash! How? Mona, Battersea A A shock might trigger a form of hair loss called telogen effluvium, which often doesn't affect grey hairs - so leaves them behind, and it looks as if the hair's turned grey! Her coloured hair will probably grow back. What’s that lump? Q…

1st Outdoor Bred Slow Cooked BBQ Sticky Ribs, 460g, £4, Co op Super-meaty and satisfying, these ribs fell away from the bone and had a nice crispy finish. On the table in 30 minutes, these are a great option for feeding a hungry family. 2nd Slow Cooked Red Eye Ribs, 535g, £5, Waitrose These ribs had a delicious smoked flavour and a lovely sticky glaze made from tomato, honey, molasses and vodka! 3rd Chef Select Smoky BBQ Pork Rib Rack, 600g, £2.99, Lidl  Tender, saucy and fantastic value at under £3, these were finger-licking  good-serve with chips and veg for a speedy dinner.…

Danielle Barnes, 34, 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…

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Peaky Blinders BBC1 The 1920s gangster drama returns for a new series with two tension-filled episodes this week, so expect more gruesome deaths, passion, blackmail and gun battles. Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is now in the House of Commons as a Labour MP, just as the Wall Street Crash hits, which has affected the enterprises being run by the rest of the Shelby clan (Helen McCrory, Sophie Rundle, Paul Andersen and Finn Cole). Nadiya’s Summer Feasts BBC2 Barbecues can often mean burnt meat and soggy salads, but not when Nadiya Hussein’s in charge. For this one-off special, she whips up a tasty alfresco feast, which includes a summery torte cake, a salad made with kiwi and feta cheese and a leg of lamb with a sticky rhubarb glaze. Carnival Row…

MARLBOROUGH 1 This picturesque market town is a treat. Dine in its chic cafes and enjoy one of its many art, literature and music festivals held throughout the year. LONGLEAT 2 Visit the beautiful manor house, grounds and famous safari park. With so much to do, you’re bound to be tempted by its annual pass. LACOCK 3 Both the Abbey and village at Lacock are instantly recognisable from the TV screen. Walk along cobbled streets that were the location for Pride and Prejudice, Cranford and Wolf Hall.…