Table of contents for 02-Jan-2020 in Chat

James’ mild-mannered dad had something shocking in the freezer that saw him serving jail time (p24). Laura will never forget the birth of her baby but for all the wrong reasons (p10). And Joanne found her way through a terrifying time with the help of a woman she’d never even met (p18). As well as tons more real life, we’ve got the prize puzzles you love, the latest checked fashion (p12), plus quirky ways to use up all those festive leftovers (p40). Tuck in!…

Andy says, ‘I begged her to not drink on our wedding day but by 9.30pm she was passed out. It completely ruined the wedding for me and I left her the next day. ‘I slept with [the other woman] twice, it wasn’t a long, drawn-out affair. ‘It was a stupid mistake and I’ll never regret anything more. It’s destroyed my family. ‘Elle was everything to me and I lost it overnight, and I’ll never regret anything more in my life. ‘There’s nothing to defend – I did wrong, full stop. I regret it and I’m paying the price for it. ‘I've lost everything.’…

STYLE TIP Loafers and ballet pumps would also work well with this look STYLE TIP Knee-high boots and midi dresses are a stylish combination STYLE TIP Accessories are an easy way to try print STYLE TIP Off-the-shoulder tops are a flattering way to show some skin…

The jury considered the evidence and found Amber Guyger guilty of murder. A day later, they sentenced her to 10 years in prison. In extraordinary scenes, Botham’s younger brother Brandt, 18, asked Judge Tammy Kemp if he could hug the sobbing murderer and the pair stood and embraced for a long time. In front of an emotional and packed courtroom, Brandt spoke to his brother’s killer. ‘If you truly are sorry, I forgive you. I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you. ‘I love you just like anyone else. I’m not going to say I hope you rot and die just like my brother did. ‘I want the best for you. I don’t even want you to go to jail.’ The judge also gave…

James Lubbock, 42, north London As I looked at my watch, I realised my dad Richard was late again. Typical. It was late 2005 and we were meant to be meeting for dinner to catch up. But, these days, he was useless at keeping time. Sometimes, he didn’t show up at all. He hadn’t always been so hopeless. In fact, as a child, I’ve got fond memories of a mild-mannered, responsible father. He was a respected coin dealer on London’s Regent Street. We’d spend the weekends shopping together at the local market, or watching Arsenal football matches. But it was as I went to university in 1997 that Dad started to change. He split from my mum Marilyn. And unexpectedly, in 2003, they both came out as gay. I was…

I’m becoming my mum! Q This may sound daft, but I feel really low at the moment – and when I look in the mirror, all I see is a woman who looks like my mother staring back at me. It is so depressing! I look and feel old and it’s making me really miserable. How can I love me again? Jenny, 49 A Bless you, sweetheart! I’m sure your mum is absolutely lovely. Embrace the fact that you look like her. I am proud to be a 45-year-old woman who gets more like her mum everyday – but, then, I look like my dad, so count yourself lucky! Time to start looking for the positives when you look in the mirror, and be kinder to yourself. Life is for…

Hannah Castledine, 31, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Forcing down a mouthful of salad, I faked a smile. ‘That was…tasty,’ I fibbed, pushing any leftover leaves to the corner of my plate. ‘See, I told you,’ my mum Julie, then 40, beamed. She was always making me healthy meals. Salads, jacket potatoes, all kinds of nutritious grub. And I knew exactly why. At 16, I weighed 16st, and Mum was concerned. Especially as I was being bullied at school, taunted with ‘fat’ jibes in the classroom. But it still didn’t make me like healthy food any more. And though I was pretending to enjoy Mum’s salads, I had a secret lurking under my bed… Boxes and bags of tempting goodies! Chocolates, crisps, sweets, biscuits, I even snuck in the odd takeaway from…

Almost half of us don't know what interest we earn on our savings, says financial service company Hargreaves Lansdown. It seems 39% of us have never switched savings for a better rate, with women and 35- to 54-year-olds most likely to admit this, at 43%. Use cash You could save money on day-today spending by using cash to pay for items, instead of credit or debit cards. Researchers have found parting with actual money feels ‘more painful' than paying by card - so you may be less likely to fritter away money on things you don't really need.…

Coronation Street Tracy cheats on Steve! Tracy’s fuming when she finds out Steve lied to avoid taking her to a gig, so she heads to the Rovers where she spends New Year’s Eve getting sloshed. Next day, she wakes up naked and hungover in someone else’s bed! Amy is horrified when she realises her mum’s cheated. Will she tell Steve? EastEnders Mick’s wake-up call for Linda After her booze-fuelled antics at Christmas, Linda’s drinking spirals out of control on New Year’s Eve and she finds herself in a dire situation. The next day, when Mick gives her a wake-up call, she vows to stay sober for January. Will she stick to it? Emmerdale Victoria gives birth! Just after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Victoria’s waters break…

Q I’m finding it difficult to drift off to sleep – is there anything I can do to help? Jean Edwards, 61 A Stop looking at your phone at least one hour before bed and if possible don’t have it in your bedroom – this will allow your mind to slowly unwind and switch off, without any temptation to peek at Facebook. Also, invest in a pillow spray which contains calming, heady ingredients, such as lavender and jasmine, to help soothe and relax. Spritz Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist, £8, on your pillow before you get into bed and deeply inhale for a few breaths. Or smoothe This Works Sleep Balm, £12, onto your temples and pulse points. TOP TIP Keep chapped lips at bay by exfoliating with a…

As Jayme Closs boarded the school bus, she had no idea of the evil that was watching. Happily chatting to her friends, Jayme didn’t notice Jake Patterson, 21, on the way to his job at a cheese factory. Patterson was a man with disturbing fantasies. He dreamed of abducting girls. Seeing young Jayme, he’d chosen his victim. Jayme, just 13, loved sports and dancing. As an only child, she was everything to her parents James and Denise. But nothing would stand in Patterson’s way. Obsessed with his fantasy, he found out where the Closs family lived. Visiting their house twice, he was scared off both times. But, on 15 October 2018 – his third visit – Patterson put his sick plan into action. It was 1am when he pulled into…

Growing up, Amber Guyger was bubbly and extrovert, with friends all over town. She was a member of the student orchestra, a kind and loving daughter at home. Hoping to help others, Amber became a police officer in Dallas, Texas. More than 2,500 miles away in St Lucia, there was a similarly kind-hearted young man, Botham Jean. He’d grown up surrounded by love, both at home and at the church where his father Bertrum was a pastor. Even after he moved to Texas to work as an accountant for a prestigious firm, Botham made time every Sunday to call his dad. It seems a quirky twist of fate that these two kind and loving people would end up as neighbours. Botham was on the top floor of an apartment block,…

Simone Gomes, 34, south London Heading home from college, I recited my lines in my head. It was June 2005 and one week before my final-year performance for my college Drama course. I was playing Ruth in The Crucible. Rehearsals had been endless, but tonight was a rare night off. All I wanted was to relax with my then-boyfriend, 21. My mum Annette, 56, was at work, and my dad Keith was at his place, so we had the house to ourselves. We sat in front of a film and tucked into a home-cooked meal but, as I took a final mouthful of chow mein, I suddenly didn’t feel so good. It doesn’t just affect pensioners, but young people, too Rushing to the loo, I vomited. In the mirror, I…

A survey of 500 people aged 65 and over were quizzed by A Loving Tribute, a funeral-stationary provider, about the one piece of advice they would now reveal to their 18-year-old self. It revealed that people wished they’d done more exercise, taking part in swimming and running activities in order to stay fit and well. Looking after your mental health also scored highly, with respondents stating that they would tell their younger self to ‘stay true to yourself’ and to ‘believe in yourself’. Other health-conscious aspects included making an effort to drink less, smoke less and not do drugs.…

TERROR IN LONDON AND GLASGOW Two of the UK's biggest cities suffered terrorist attacks in June 2007. On 29 June, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London, one in a parked car in Haymarket, the other in nearby Cockspur Street. A day later, a Jeep Cherokee was driven into glass doors at Glasgow International Airport. A suspected car bomb failed to detonate but set the vehicle alight. No members of the public were injured in either incident. Bilal Abdullah was convicted of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to life, to serve at least 32 years. DOUBLE DAUGHTER MURDER Sisters Davina and Jasmine Kumari-Baker (right) were 16 and 13 when their mum Rekha, 41, murdered them in their beds on 13 June 2007. She stabbed her daughters 69 times before…

1 Don’t read anything called How to Be Perfect or similar, because it’s nonsense. If we were all perfect – whatever ‘perfect’ is – wouldn’t it be a very boring world? Yawn! So feel good about your flaws and imperfections, because they make you unique – which is a beautiful thing. 2 Leave bad memories in the past. So you were picked on at school for being tall, or having rubbish trainers, but how silly does that sound now? Don’t let your past spoil right now, and forget the mean girls and boys. What did they know, anyway?! 3 Do what makes you happy. Do you hair just because it’s Tuesday, wear clothes that make you feel good – because when you feel good, you look good. Take yourself to…

I started seriously considering how I could lose weight. Thinking back to the endless salads Mum used to feed me, all the diets I’d tried and failed with in the past. None of it had worked. But as I read up on Slimming World, I decided it was worth giving it a go. In August 2018, at my first group session, I listened closely, made mental notes of recipes to try and websites to visit. But when it came to stepping on the scales, I couldn’t bear to look. ‘I really don’t want to know,’ I said to the woman weighing me. ‘Are you sure?’ she prompted. ‘It might help you to get started.’ But I was adamant. So, each week, I opted to weigh blind. That meant I’d step…

Turkey and mushroom Christmas ‘leftovers’ pie  How do you make Christmas dinner even better? Put it all in a comforting pie! SERVES 4 PREP 15 MINS COOK 40 MINS • 25g butter • 1 onion, finely sliced • 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 2tbsp plain flour • 300ml semi-skimmed milk • 400ml chicken stock • 300g creme fraiche • 2 bay leaves • 1tbsp chopped thyme • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 500g cooked turkey meat, cut into chunks • 600g cooked veg (carrots, sprouts, swede, squash, courgette, peas, cauliflower, etc) • 10 roast potatoes, sliced • 50g Cheddar cheese • Olive oil, to drizzle 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. In a deep frying pan, melt the butter and add the…

Aries 21 March-20 April  The need for learning is likely to be important. If you’ve been thinking about going ‘back to school’, jump on board with this and you’ll soon be flying high. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May  A date with a pal could prove they’re potentially interested in more than just friendship. So go with your heart, as you never know where things will lead. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June  You may well be given a new task at work that could turn out to be a golden opportunity to impress the boss. Great exposure leads to financial rewards. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July  You may be having ‘out of the…

Neutrogena, Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Body Lotion, £3.59, Boots Suffer with dry skin? Give this nourishing cream a whirl. Packed with ingredients that lock in moisture for 24 hours, it will keep skin supple. Maybelline The City Mini Palette, £5.99 Whether you want to create a soft, shimmery hue for the day or a smoky, intense eye for the evening, this six-colour palette has you covered. All That Glistens Hydrating Lipgloss in Take a Stand, £5 For a pop of colour that doesn’t budge all day, get your hands on one of these lip glosses. Wear on its own or over your fave lippy to add a little sparkle. Lacura Miracle Cream, £3.99, Aldi Protect, moisturise and soothe irritated skin – this multipurpose cream does it all. Got a beauty…

HOW TO GET INVOLVED… It couldn't be easier. Simply follow the four steps below to get in touch and submit your photos. We can't wait to hear from you! STEP 1 Go online to goodtoknow.co.uk/real STEP 2 Fill in your name and contact information. STEP 3 Upload your photos. Please make sure you follow the instructions on the form carefully. STEP 4 Agree to the Terms & Conditions, and then submit your pics.…

Dear George, I remember those days like they’d happened just last week. Sweeping into the lounge, you’d be a blur of activity, dusting the shelves and clearing the coffee table. ‘Everything is lovely,’ you’d grin. ‘The world is just lovely, Nikki.’ I must have been only 9, but I cherished those afternoons with you. Most days, my mum Linda picked me up from school and took me to Grandma’s house, where we’d visit you both. Back in 1942, you’d been born with Down’s syndrome. At the time, doctors had given you just 10 years to live and recommended that you were placed in an institute. But your mum and dad, my grandparents Hilda and Abraham were proud of you. ‘George is our son, our responsibility. We’ll care for him for…

Elle Joyce, 40, Great Wyrley Twirling in the mirror, a tall figure in a glitzy dress and bouffant wig turned to pout at me. ‘How do I look?’ they asked as they clopped about in sky-high stilettos. I stood up to adjust my boyfriend Andy’s wig. ‘Perfect!’ I smiled, and gave him a smooch, being careful not to smudge his lippy. Might sound strange but I’d never minded my Andy being a drag queen. It was February 2016 and he was about to go on stage at the local social club. Only, when he had that mic in his hand, he would no longer be 6ft 1in burly Andy. He became the glamorous, acid-tongued Candi Caine. We’d been dating since November 2014. A smooth-talker, devilishly flirtatious, Andy had swept me…

STRESS CRISIS Over half of Britain’s working days were lost to stress in 2019, according to Tap Warehouse. In fact, over the past decade, stress-related hospital admissions have risen by 33%, which is 22% more than patients admitted with Alzheimer’s. Appy & healthy Natia Cares Designed to help support those with cancer, NatiaCares offers complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation and sound bites to support those who are undergoing treatment. NatiaCares is free, with in-app purchases, available on IOS.…

What’s that lump? Q There’s a lumpy swelling on my left testicle that my doctor says is a varicocele... Is it serious? Andy, Skelmersdale You’re right to check out A any testicle lump – but, in this case, it’s probably best to ignore it! A varicocele is a collection of varicose veins inside your scrotum, and around one man in seven has one, usually on the left – possibly because the vein connected to your left scrotum is longer than the right, so is under higher pressure. Usually, there are no symptoms, though a few men find their testicles ache at the end of the day. It’s possible varicoceles are a cause of infertility in some men, because they overheat the testicles and impair sperm production, but no-one’s sure. An…

Becky Dann, 25, north London Scrolling through my phone, I clicked on a dating app as a message popped up. I’m sorry, I don’t see it working… I sighed. Another rejection. ‘I’ll never find love,’ I groaned, throwing my phone on my bed. I’d been looking online for months, had a few first dates but no second ones. Blokes didn’t see me like any other woman And the rest of this latest bloke’s message revealed the reason why. I just can’t handle your disability… At least he was honest, I suppose. But that didn’t stop it stinging. I’d come so far to accept my body, but it felt like no man would ever do the same. My parents first noticed my spine was curving when I was 4. When it…

3 ways to ...  Save on holidays if you’re planning a trip in the New Year 1 Rev up your research Many holiday companies have sales after Christmas but, even if you find what looks like a great deal on a break, don't just snap it up without first checking how much it would cost you to book it elsewhere. And remember, prices can fluctuate wildly, even from one day to the next. So find out how the price varies if you change the date before committing to your booking. 2 Beat school-term bother  Meanwhile, if you've got school-age children, it's well worth checking their school's term dates carefully - and comparing them to when other schools are off around the country. If your kids are off on a week…

Claire Attwood, 34, Stroud, Gloucestershire Handing my tiny 2lb 11oz baby boy to me, the midwife smiled. She’d dressed him in a little blue hat and a grey sleepsuit with a star on the front. I stared down at him, a strange mix of emotions rushing through me. Wrapped in a blue crocheted blanket, little Eli looked like he was sleeping peacefully. Only, the day before, my partner Darren and I had learnt that Eli’s heart had stopped beating. It was April 2019 and the last 24 hours had been a whirlwind. After waking up in the night with cramps, I’d discovered that I was bleeding. Rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, I was terrified as the doctor ran a scanner over my swollen belly. Her face had dropped. ‘I’m so…

Percy & Reed, I’m No Flake Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.50 Not only is this sulphate and silicone free, but it combines potent yet gentle ingredients to reduce dandruff, soothe irritation and nourish your scalp. The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £7.50  Made with ginger, birch bark, white willow extract and honey – this blend helps gently clear loose flakes and soothe your scalp. Oh, and it smells amazing! Head & Shoulders Supreme Purify & Volume Shampoo, £4.99 Did you know over a third of women in the UK have fine hair? This shampoo not only keeps scalps healthy but provides an added boost of volume too.…