Table of contents for 22 January 2026 in Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… When Paige's man was caught cosying up with a gorgeous slim woman in a pic online, she wasn't cross (p24). Because the new woman who his mates didn't recognise, wasn't new at all. It was her! When you see Paige's transformation, you'll agree that it's an easy mistake. One thing that saw Paige's weight shoot up to 26st was her love of takeaways. She was spending £500 a month on them! If that chimes, and you want to lose some pounds (and save some £££s!) check out our fab fakeaway recipes on p40. Have a great week!…

Sporting a green face and a pointy black hat, I watched with pride as my daughter delivered her lines on stage. ‘She's brilliant!’ I whispered to the other mums sitting next to me. Charlotte, then 8, was the Wicked Witch of the West in her school's production of The Wizard of Oz. She was born to perform. My dad, her grandad, had nicknamed her Choppy, as she never stopped talking. So full of confidence, my girl was destined for big things, I just knew it. As she got older, her loveable, bubbly personality earned her so many friends. Then, when she was 19, she fell pregnant. And suddenly her acting dreams were put on hold. It wasn't the future I'd imagined for Charlotte. She was still so young. But she…

What do rapper Nicki Minaj and musician Nile Rodgers have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Feels optimistic (5) 4 Track on which people walk (4) 6 Took place (8) 13 Using one's eyes (7) 14 Radioactive element (7) 15 Go by car (5) 16 Facial feature (4) 17 Colonise (6) 18 Royal son (6) 20 Writer of verse (4) 21 Units of land measurement (5) 22 Musical dramas (6) 25 Allowed or qualified (8) 28 Element, symbol C (6) 30 Complete (5) 32 Physical power (8) 34 Covered in fungus (6) 35 Read quickly (4) 38 Votes into office (6) 39 Cars for hire (5) 40 Make up one's mind (6) 43 Travelled through the air (4) 44 Appeared to be (6) 45 Cantonese, for example (8) 48 Cooker (5) 49 Pouch in a garment (6) 51 Put off,…

Q I've recently been diagnosed with gallstones and I'm awaiting surgery. They told me the pain will improve if I stop eating fat. Will it? Juliet, St Mawes A Gallstones hurt because fat – good or bad – makes the gallbladder squeeze. Cutting fat helps but you don't need to avoid it completely. Eat smaller, low-fat meals and skip greasy or fried foods. Even healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado, can trigger pain, so keep portions small. Choose lean meats, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Drink plenty of water and avoid crash diets. A hot water bottle can ease discomfort and painkillers may help – check with your GP first. Keep a food diary and try gentle exercise. Watch for warning signs like severe pain, fever, jaundice or vomiting…

1 Lifts your mood Hugs are small actions with big benefits. Ever wondered why, when you're feeling down, a cuddle from someone you care about can make you feel so much better? ‘A hug releases feel-good hormones, like oxytocin, helping both of you feel happier,’ says work psychologist Klaudia Mitura, author of The Alphabet of Happiness (£18.99, O-Books). It also releases stress-reducing hormones dopamine and serotonin, which help to lower cortisol levels, allowing you to feel more relaxed. 2 Reduces pain As well as making us feel happier, oxytocin also has a calming effect on our nervous system, which can help to reduce our perception of pain, according to the Bristol Back Pain Clinic. ‘Hugging also releases endorphins, known as the body's natural painkillers, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and fear, as…

As I thudded down the school corridor, I heard another kid shouting out to me. ‘Whale,’ he cried, as his mates sniggered. I put my head down, cheeks burning in shame. It was October 2012, and aged 13, I was bursting out of my adult size 14 clothes, already clinically obese. I'd always had a good appetite, indulging in junk food most days. But my body was just getting wider by the week. The following year, I was even assigned a personal trainer at school. Taken out of class to exercise. Mortifying. And the truth was, no matter how much I exercised or ate healthily I couldn't seem to shift the weight. By now, my periods had become irregular and I'd developed hair on my face, too. ‘There's something wrong…

No spark in our marriage Q My wife told me I don't turn her on any more. I love her but hearing that really hurt. I laughed it off at the time but now I'm not sure how to bring back the spark without making things awkward. How do I fix this without it turning into a bigger problem? Roy, 47 A This must've been like a punch to the heart, love. But you need to approach this as a team. Ask her what she needs to feel connected and share what you need, too. Take the pressure off and start small. Give her compliments, hold her hand, plan dates doing her favourite things. You need to work together to rebuild your desire for each other, flower. I don't want…

PixiPerfume Eau de Parfum in PixiFig, £15, pixibeauty.co.uk We love Pixi's new affordable perfume range, especially the Fig scent, which has inviting woody elements with citrus notes for added zing. Method Simply Nourish Moisturising Shampoo, £6.95, Waitrose This shampoo will clean your hair and provide an extra layer of moisture before you reach for your conditioner – it's ideal for naturally dry or colourdamaged hair types. Catrice Cosmetics The Dark Cocoa Eyeshadow Palette, £5.99, justmylook.com You can mix and match the eight eyeshadow shades in this palette, or wear them on their own for more simple make-up looks. The mix of warm and cool brown and beige tones are ideal for everyday wear. Leighton Denny Opaque Metallic Nail Polish in Dazzle, £12.50, leightondenny.com Tap into the chrome nail trend without…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! From the moment Jeanne Pepper Bernstein held her son in her arms and looked into his eyes, she knew he was special. It was April 1998, and her son, Blaze, grew up close to his family, including his dad Gideon and his sister. He had a quirky personality. His mum even called him a ‘unicorn’ because he stood out from the crowd and was so creative. He loved writing and cooking, but wanted to pursue a career in medicine. His family were even more proud of Blaze when, in 2016, he left his home in Orange County, California, and headed off to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. While there, he made new friends, hitting his stride. By now, he'd kept being gay a secret from most people,…

In the astronomical observatory known as the VLA and in the computer graphics standard VGA, for what does the letter A stand? To find out, solve the puzzle… Enter the answers to the clues in the grid. Every word is an anagram of its neighbours, plus or minus a letter. Read the shaded squares in number order for the prize answer. 1 Robert _, Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey 2 Solicitor 3 Ahead of time 4 Harp-like instrument 5 Grain used to make whiskey 6 Period of twelve months 7 Team race with a baton 8 Sport or game participant 9 Culinary herb WIN 3 x £50 Puzzle 8 Your answer:…

When Tracey first met Stephen, she was quite content with her lot. She'd given birth to her first daughter in 1986, when she was just 18, and her son followed a year later. By 1996, she was a mum of three. So when she met Stephen, almost a decade later, she thought her childbearing days were behind her. ‘He was 26 and I was 37,’ Tracey remembers. Despite the difference in age, the pair quickly fell in love. Both living in north London, they planned their future together. ‘He always wanted a big family,’ Tracey says. ‘I already had three kids, so I didn't want any!’ But Stephen dreamed of being dad to a big brood. ‘I wanted five kids,’ Stephen says. Although Tracey agreed to try for another, the…

Ready in 20 mins Top tip No rice vinegar? Use white vinegar and a pinch of sugar instead. Fish finger katsu curry Jazz up this freezer staple with a mild Japanese-style curry sauce. SERVES 4 PREP 8 MINS COOK 12 MINS 12 fish fingers 1tsp vegetable oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 3 carrots, 2 julienned, 1 roughly chopped 4 garlic cloves, crushed 2tbsp mild curry paste ½tbsp light brown sugar 1tbsp dark soy sauce 300ml chicken stock  2tbsp cornflour mixed with 1tbsp cold water Juice ½ lime 1 cucumber, bashed and sliced 3tsp rice vinegar 1tsp sesame oil 2 x 250g rice pouches 2 spring onions, thinly sliced, to garnish 1tbsp sesame seeds, to garnish (optional) 1 Cook the fish fingers according to pack instructions. 2 Meanwhile, heat the oil…

Aries 21 March-20 April If something is frustrating you, remember that it's better to be peaceful than to be right. Find new ways of communicating your truth from the heart. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Something you have been working on recently is about to be recognised. Have faith and know that your prayers have been heard and answered. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Be extra-compassionate towards yourself at this time. Perhaps you've been giving yourself a hard time about something in the past. Let go and move on. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You're a gentle soul, and something has upset you recently. Know that the angels are beside you in…

Q Do I really need to use neck cream? Lauren Moore, Preston A The short answer is no, not really. Prevention is better than cure – a good way to make sure your neck remains as smooth and line-free as your face is to take your facial skincare routine down to your décolletage. It's easy to forget about your neck, but the skin there is as thin and delicate as your face – and it's as exposed to the elements as everything else. Skin looks firmer and plumper when it's hydrated, so use a hyaluronic acid serum like Revolution Skin Ultra Plump Hydrating Serum, £10, revolutionbeauty.com, after cleansing. Make sure also to wear a high-factor sunscreen every day, applying all over your face, neck and any other exposed areas. Garnier…

What's an interesting fact most people don't know about you? I've loved writing since school and enjoy letting my imagination run wild. I would love to see one of my short stories in print one day! If you could time travel to any era of history, when would you choose? It would have to be in Florence Nightingale's time, and I would be one of her nurses in the Crimean War. I've always worked in care, and Florence changed the way people thought about cleanliness and highlighted the importance of nursing. She stood up for what she believed was right, which I really admire. Best sweet treat to enjoy with a cuppa? You can't beat a chocolate digestive to dip in your coffee. In winter, I buy mint Matchsticks to have…

What concept is described in Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary as ‘an ingenious compound of desirability and appearance’? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. 1 Inclination, predisposition 3 Place where animals are kept Forbidden 5 Manner, bearing Band who had a hit with Barbie Girl 7 Private teacher Atmosphere 9 Hasty, careless WIN £100 Puzzle 2 Your answer:…

STYLE TIP Balance out the A-line shape of this cord midi with a neat top that won't swamp your shape – Breton stripes will keep the look classic. STYLE TIP If casual is more your vibe try styling a corduroy shirt in a multitude of ways. Throw around your shoulders or waist for an easy outfit refresh. STYLE TIP Corduroy's warmth makes it ideal for wintry midi dresses that'll keep you cosy. Simply pair with a borg gilet and boots for a nod to boho. STYLE TIP Wide-leg cord trousers will become a wardrobe staple you'll reach for time and time again. Give them a preppy update with an argyle knit and loafers.…

Holding my phone to my ear, I talked softly so none of my friends could hear. ‘Jack, I love you so much,’ I whispered. It was 2014 and, away at uni, aged 20, I was missing the love of my life. ‘See you soon,’ I promised. ‘See you soon,’ Jack said back, followed by a barrage of whistles and squawks. See, Jack wasn't my partner – she was my female African grey parrot. And, yes, she could talk! She'd come to live with my family three years earlier. We rescued poorly animals, nursed them back to health. A friend brought Jack to us when the people she was with could no longer give her the time and attention she needed. She'd arrived with loads of her belly feathers plucked out.…

With a sigh, I threw my phone down onto the sofa. ‘I'm just so sick of dating apps,’ I thought. It was October 2022, and, aged 21, I was at uni studying visual arts. I wasn't looking for anything serious but the men I'd met online were so immature. Only after one thing, terrible communicators, too. But just then, I had an idea. Grabbing my phone, I adjusted my maximum age limit for the men I'd like to meet from 26 right up to 50. ‘Why not?’ I thought. Moments later, a gorgeous face stared back at me. His dark hair and deep brown eyes reeled me in, but his cute little pup had me hooked. So I swiped right. It's a match! my phone pinged triumphantly. Taking a closer…

3 Ways to… boost your career Looking for a new job or want a promotion? Here's how to get started. 1 Have a plan Think about what you want to achieve in your career this year, then create a clear plan to get there. Setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) can help you stay focused. For example, if you're planning to start job hunting, your goals might include signing up with recruiters and updating your CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills and experience. Find useful tips for this at adecco.com. Setting deadlines for each step in your plan will help you stay on track. 2 Up your game If you think you'd benefit from learning new skills or strengthening existing ones, see whether your employer offers any…

Waiting at the bus stop, I huddled close to my pal, catching up on the latest gossip. It was May 1993 and, aged 13, it was the same every day. After getting myself up and dressed for school, I'd walk 10 minutes to the bus stop, where my friend Angela, then 13, would be waiting. But today, as the school's double decker pulled up, something was different. ‘Morning, girls!’ a cheerful voice bellowed as the bus doors swung open. ‘Ready for school?’ We'd never seen this driver before, but as he beamed brightly, I smiled back. ‘I'm Andy,’ he said as we clambered on. After that, Andy picked us up every day. He was northern, with a cheeky smile and floppy brown hair, probably in his mid 20s, and always…

PS… Sooo Extra Mascara, £3, Primark You don't have to spend big to get a great mascara, and this buy proves it! The chunky bristled brush creates impressive volume in just a couple of sweeps. The formula is buildable, so you can gradually add more layers for more drama without clumping. The Edit Hyaluronic Acid Hydrate Sheet Mask, £1.50, Sainsbury's Sheet masks are a great way of giving your skin a big hit of hydration, and we love this affordable buy you can pick up with your weekly shop. It's infused with hyaluronic acid to quench and plump your skin in a matter of minutes. It leaves your complexion with a healthy dewy glow.…

Chat winners issue 41 (9 October 2025) £1,001 CASH P McClure, Newtownards £500 CASH M McMillin, Cumbria M James, Tounton £250 CASH J Blexill, Hull S Dixon, Bromsgrove £200 CASH E Stobbart, Clifton £100 CASH C Hitch, Lincoln S Walker, Leeds D Harris, Truro £75 CASH C Elliott, Sunderland £50 CASH E Painter, Willenhall S Ellis, Nuneaton P Pugh, Prenton A M Littler, Buckley J Edwards, Deeside H Fretter, Ryde £40 CASH P McKinley, Hastings £30 CASH A M Gedes, Dumfries A Chapman, Kettering £25 CASH P Adams, Lowestoft F Barrett, Thatcham Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £20 CASH S Lovett, Wilmslow  K Burgess, St Helens C Brown, Pontefract J Gibson, Deeside J Hocknull, Lymm B Simpson, West Bromwich C McDonald, Ascot T Arthur, Bristol B Woodhouse, Shropshire K McCaffery, Blyth R Stingaciu, Wembley A Richardson, Exeter R Thorne, Stonebridge D Lowry, Stanford-le-Hope J Brain, Hartlepool P Jack, Sunderland S Cross, Neston E…

Dear Steph, From the moment I held you in my arms, you changed my life. It was August 1997 and as a 17-year-old single mum, I had no idea what having a baby would be like. But from that first second, I loved you with every beat of my heart. You were ill, though, at first. Doctors told me you had a serious condition called tracheo-oesophageal fistula. ‘Her oesophagus is connected to her lungs instead of her stomach,’ one explained. ‘She needs surgery immediately.’ At Great Ormond Street Hospital you had the op. For the three weeks you were in intensive care, I didn't leave your side. But thankfully you recovered. The worst was behind us, and now it was just you and me against the world. But a check-up…