Table of contents for 15 January 2026 in Chat

January has to be the grimmest month. The Christmas decs are back in the loft, bills are arriving and then there’s the weather. But as you’re topping up your hot-water bottle, slipping on an extra jumper and sneaking the thermostat up a degree, spare a thought for Emma (p30). She not only hates the cold, she’s allergic to it – and she even needs winter woollies in the freezer aisle! If you’re looking for something to make you warm inside, you can’t go wrong with our easy puds on p40. I’ve got my eye on that mug cake… Have a great week, PS If you’re entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Louise Simpson, 53, Crawley, West Sussex Waiting for the kettle to boil, my phone lit up with a Facebook message. Blast from the past, I thought, reading the name Adrian West. My son Connor’s dad. We split before Connor was born in 1996 and I hadn’t heard from Adrian since. Long time no speak, his message read. Some might have told him to get lost but I didn’t harbour any ill feelings. Connor, then 25, was my world, so I had no regrets. I replied to Adrian, asking how he was. Over the next few days, we messaged back and forth. I remembered how well Adrian and I got on, with a shared sense of humour and love of rock music. A couple of weeks on, I invited him round…

Lauren Harbet, 36, Didcot, Oxfordshire As I groaned and rubbed my temples, my mum Sue, 69, looked at me and shook her head. ‘Are you OK, love?’ she asked. ‘These headaches are unbearable,’ I told her. It was September 2022 and I was eight months pregnant with my second child – a girl. A single mum, I already had a little boy, Roman, then 8. I’d not had any headaches during my pregnancy with him. But this time round, I couldn’t catch a break. The pain behind my eyes was constant. And some days it was so bad it made me nauseous. I figured it was hormones, wasn’t too worried. But I couldn’t wait for the baby to arrive and to start feeling like my old self again. Then, in…

The sound of children laughing and playing would warm the hearts of most people. But Susan Lorincz was sick of it. Living in a duplex flat in Ocala, Florida, she shared access to a green space with other residents. The children in her neighbourhood often gathered there, playing football and running around. Making far too much noise, Susan thought. She had ‘no trespassing’ signs put up, hoping the kids would find somewhere else to hang out. But the grass didn’t belong to Susan, so the children continued to play there. In January 2021, she was at the end of her tether. She called the police, reporting the children for trespassing in areas where her signs were clearly displayed. Officers discussed the issue with Susan’s neighbour Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens. AJ was…

1 Find the light Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is sometimes known as ‘winter depression’ and thought to be caused by a lack of daylight. ‘Less sunlight can alter the brain’s biochemical imbalance and, as a result, less serotonin, which gives us the feel-good factor we all crave, is released,’ says psychotherapist Liz Ritchie from St Andrew’s Healthcare. ‘Reduced serotonin can cause depression, weight gain and excessive fatigue.’ Try to get out into natural sunlight as often as you can, even just sitting by the window on a bright day can help. 2 Take vitamin D From October to March, the sun’s UV rays are too weak in places like the UK for our skin to make vitamin D. Boosting your levels can help with symptoms of SAD, such as depression, lack…

Can our love be saved? Q After 10 years together, we decided to open our relationship and sleep with other people. And, oh wow, did it go wrong. What started as an attempt to bring back some excitement between us has left everything feeling awkward, painful and a little broken. We’re both hurt, confused and not sure how to move forward. I still love my partner deeply, but things don’t feel the same any more. Sinead, 37 A Opening things up might sound trendy but it’s also messy for many. And love isn’t a science experiment, hun. Sometimes what looks like freedom is actually heartbreak in disguise. You can come back from this but you need honesty and possibly a good therapist… Rebuild that trust brick by brick, petal. But ask yourself…

3 ways to… stick to your money resolutions Boost your chances of staying on the right financial path this year. 1 Be specific If your goal is to simply ‘spend less’ without a clear focus or plan, your chances of success are slim. Create a detailed budget that outlines all your income and expenses. This will help you to identify the areas where you might be overspending and where it might be possible to make any savings. Once you are armed with the facts, you can then set specific and practical resolutions. This could be cutting back on takeaways or avoiding the temptation to go on payday shopping sprees. Track your progress, too, as this will help keep you motivated. 2 Set realistic goals When you make your money resolutions, it’s important to…

Call the Midwife DON’T MISS BBC1 ● It’s 1971 when the drama returns for its 15th series, and as the locals get to grips with the newly-introduced decimal money, it’s business as usual for the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House. Now fully qualified, Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers) helps mum-to-be Thelma Cutler (Izzy Meikle-Small) with her ongoing nausea, and concerns are raised about the welfare of four young children when Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) calls in at the home of a diabetic patient. Meanwhile, Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) finds herself at a political meeting that inspires her to rally her friends and colleagues to take part in the Poplar Women’s Liberation March. DON’T MISS Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials NETFLIX ● Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman are among the cast of…

WIDE-LEG STYLE TIP Elegant and leg-lengthening, offset the voluminous shape with a more fitted top half. BARREL STYLE TIP High on the waist and tapering at the ankle, these look great with a sleek mule or ballet flat. STRAIGHT STYLE TIP Swap your skinnies for this simple cut. Wear with a slouchy knit and oversized blazer. BOOTCUT STYLE TIP An ultra-flattering retro silhouette. Best teamed with heels and a tucked-in top to show off the waist.…

Lacey Buchanan, 38 Driving back from the hospital, me and my husband Chris, then 26, couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces. ‘A boy,’ I grinned. It was September 2010 and my and Chris’ love story had been like a fairytale. Thick as thieves as teenagers, we’d married at 21. Now, two years later, I was expecting our first child and had just had my 18-week scan. Despite the fact I’d recently won a college place, training to be a lawyer, I couldn’t wait to be a mum. ‘I’ll juggle it somehow,’ I’d told Chris, determined. That day, we agreed we’d name our baby boy Christian. But the more I thought about the scan, the more I started to worry. ‘The sonographer seemed quiet, didn’t she?’ I asked Chris. ‘She…

Arms wrapped around one another, Dezy and Chxpo look so in love. Together for three years, they have young children. Only, behind closed doors, things aren’t quite as rosy as they seem. Because for Dezy, a model, singer and influencer, there is only room for one partner in her life. But for her fella Chxpo, it’s a case of the more, the merrier. ‘I’m monogamous, but my boyfriend is polyamorous,’ explains Dezy. So while Dezy stays faithful to her partner, having just one love interest isn’t enough for Chxpo. The rapper and creative director likes to sleep with other women on the side. ‘People think it’s weird that he dates other girls but I don’t date other guys,’ she says. She knew Chxpo would never be a one-woman man, but…

Ellie Crabtree, 23, Cumbria Staring at my parents i across the kitchen table, I struggled to hold back the tears. ‘I’m going to be OK,’ my dad Geoff, then 59, reassured me, reaching for my hand. But I was frozen with shock. It was 2021 and Dad had just told me he’d been diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in his right ankle. He’d always been so healthy and active. And ever since I was a kid, I’d always looked up to my big, strong dad. He’d bike to work, walk the dog or give me a ride on his shoulders. Now I was 19, living my own life, but Dad was still my hero. How could he be ill? I struggled to process the news. Especially as Dad…

Aries 21 March-20 April Speed is of the essence with an important decision you need to make. Go with your instinct and trust you have what it takes to succeed in this venture. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Your persistence with a long-term challenge is paying off. You should start to see positive changes around the time of the New Moon later in the month. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June While you’re easily bored, if something engages your attention you can focus for hours. Look for inspiring projects to boost your energy and confidence. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July As a sensitive water sign, you often take on others’ feelings. You’re empathetic,…

Q I’m tempted to try out the bob trend, but how can I tell if it’ll suit me? Lisa Anderson, Leicester LETTER of the week! A If you’re considering getting a bob cut, there are a few ways to maximise your chances of loving it. Start by getting advice from your hairdresser on which style, shape and length would suit you the best. Another tip is to get a bob cut longer and then see how you like it. You can always keep cutting to your desired length. Ask your hairdresser to cut a length just above the shoulders, and gradually go as short as you’re comfortable with. Once you’ve found your perfect bob style and length, then put some effort into keeping it looking its best. Invest in a hydrating…

TEXT Simply text CHATD 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…

Loraine Slade, 81, from Berkhamsted What’s one thing that you can do really well? I really enjoy doing very difficult jigsaw puzzles with lots of pieces. I’m pretty good at them and like to get them finished. What are you reading at the moment? A book called The Children of Lovely Lane by Nadine Dorries. I also buy Chat every week and can’t wait to do the puzzles first, then read all the stories. What’s your most embarrassing memory? Accidentally turning up at a party wearing fancy dress when everyone else was in normal clothes. I was dressed as a witch and everyone thought it was hilarious! If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I’d love to be able to become invisible so I could wander around…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 If model Hailey Bieber could solve a mystery, what would it be? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Cream cake (6) 12 Artificial (9) 13 Wealthy (4) 14 Capital of Finland (8) 15 Chose (5) 16 Pleaded (6) 17 Nelson _, statesman (7) 18 Fitting (11) 20 One who steals (5) 22 Ignored, disregarded (9) 24 Cooker (5) 28 Relatives (7) 29 Deer meat (7) 32 Continent (6) 34 Most fortunate (8) 36 Vacations (8) 37 Chutney (6) 39 Pudding (7) 40 Jury’s decision (7) 45 Banquet (5) 47 Simple wind instruments (9) 48 Animal with a hump (5) 51 Deep thinker (11) 53 School outfit (7) 55 Compels (6) 56 Verified data (5) 58 Green gemstones (8) 59 Grows old (4) 60 Most peculiar (9) 61 Bathroom powder (6) DOWN 1 Shriek (6) 2 Bus travellers (10) 3 Royal sons (7) 4 Guessed…

Painful pee Q I sometimes feel pain or burning when I pee. It’s uncomfortable and happens every few months. What could be causing this? Molly, Loughborough A Pain or burning when peeing is often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). You may feel the need to pee urgently, more often or notice cloudy or smelly urine. If you have all three – pain, urgency and frequency – it’s likely a UTI. Your GP can confirm this. But sometimes, pain is due to irritation around the vulva, especially if the skin is sore or sensitive. Urine can sting if the area is inflamed from soap, tight clothes or skin conditions. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause pain, so if it keeps happening, get tested. You can do this at your surgery…

Emma Coggins, 54, Baldock, Hertfordshire Frosty wind stung my face and I dashed inside a shop. ‘It’s freezing out there,’ I said to the assistant, teeth chattering. It was December 2022, and I’d popped out to find some Christmas presents for my son Samuel, then 9. Only, as I browsed the clothes rails, my arms and legs were tingling. I rolled up my sleeves to see angry red blotches covering my skin. ‘Odd,’ I said, scratching at them. It’d happened occasionally ever since I was a kid. Appearing out of nowhere, then disappearing just as fast. ‘They’re my itchy splodges,’ I joked to my best friend Sharon, then 41. But they never stuck around long enough for me to see a doctor, so I just lived with it. Besides, by…

Top tip You can swap the apricots for peaches, if you prefer – or use up fresh fruits. Tinned apricot cobbler Canned fruit comes into its own in this crowd-pleasing, classic pud. SERVES 6-8 PREP 15 MINS COOK 35 MINS 3 x 411g tins apricot halves in syrup, drained, 50ml juice reserved 60g demerara sugar 2tbsp cornflour ¼tsp nutmeg, grated 1tsp vanilla essence  15g unsalted butter, cubed FOR THE TOPPING: 120g cold unsalted butter, cubed 180g self-raising flour 120g golden caster sugar Zest ½ lemon 150ml buttermilk or milk Clotted cream ice cream or cream, to serve (optional) YOU WILL NEED: ● 20x30cm baking dish In a bowl, toss together the apricot halves and the reserved 50ml syrup, sugar, cornflour, nutmeg and vanilla. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish…

Dassi Erlich, 36 My tummy rumbled as my older brother pulled out a shoebox from under the bed. ‘It smells really amazing,’ I whispered as he lifted the lid and pulled out a burger. It’d been there for hours, had long gone cold. Only, we didn’t care. Me and my siblings each took turns taking a bit, huddled in our bedroom. It was 2001, and aged 14, I hadn’t eaten for days. Me, my two brothers, my older sister, Nicole, then 16, and my younger sister, Elly, then 12, were constantly hungry. And scared. Mum could be cruel, unpredictable. Dad wasn’t any better. We’d get locked in cupboards for hours. Beaten, deprived of food. But through thick and thin, us siblings stuck together. We were ultra-Orthodox Jews, living in the…

Chat winners issue 40 (2 Oct 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH T Andrews, Harrow £500 CASH C Scollan, Coventry J Milligan, Whitley Bay £250 CASH E England, Oldham J Adderley, Birmingham £200 CASH J Tatum, Hebburn £100 CASH P Spencer, Yeovil K Sawyer, Stockton-on-Tees J Ettery, Bolton £75 CASH W Ketton, Nottingham £50 CASH T Jelford, Braintree E Foxcroft, Harwich GA Cunningham, Brandon W Baker, Walsall V Hargan, Antrim LJ Foley, Stroud £40 CASH S Garwood, Gosport £30 CASH E Watts Thetford R Lambourn, Swanscombe £25 CASH R Monkton, Somerset J Walker, Rotherham £20 CASH E Oakley, Woking B Mawson, Hayling Island JA Brockbank, Coventry J Bryant, Crewe I Keensmith, Oban D Wadsworth, Warrington P Coles, Ecclesfield R Nicholls, Stockport B Withnall, Swadlincote E Davies, Southport J Brown, Durham P LaTeace, Eastbourne L Black, Newtownabbey D Prince, Leeds JA Webb, Highbridge M Bruce, Aberdeen B Kharadi, Stockport K Threlfall, Lee-on-the-Solent J Halsey,…