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Life! Death! Prizes!

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Welcome To This Week’s Chat…
As a shy soul myself, I always admire anyone who puts themselves out there. Especially if they’re only six years old! It wasn’t long ago that Vitoria used to hide herself away. Now she’s a global superstar (p34). What an inspiration. Samantha’s story
Chat1 min readFashion
What’s Your Style? Garden Party
A summer cover-up is a must-have for cooler evenings. Try a belted style if you want more definition. Opt for sunglasses that pack a style punch by choosing oversized shapes and mood-boosting brights. Look for heels that are a good height for extra c
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Just Genius
We had decorated our living room and there were a lot of offcuts of wallpaper left over. With them, I recovered an old canvas and personalised it with some wedding pictures. It’s a perfect match to the room and didn’t cost me a penny. Karen Dirs, Keg
Chat4 min readCrime & Violence
A Family Tragedy
Shannan Gilbert, 24, was the oldest of four sisters. Along with Sherre, Sarra and Stevie, she’d had a turbulent upbringing. All the girls spent time in foster care. Still, Shannan remained close to her mother Mari Gilbert. By May 2010, Shannan was li
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Win! £500 cash!
What do you get if you multiply the number of the motorway from Blackpool to Preston, by the number of the National Cycle Route known as the Preston Guild Wheel? Fit these numbers into the grid. One number doesn’t fit. This is the prize answer. 15922
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Spot The Difference
Look closely at these two pics – there’s a difference in 5 squares. The 5 grid references (eg, 1A, 2B, 2C, 3C, 4D) is your prize answer. WIN 5x £30 Puzzle 5 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details ■
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All This, Over A Few Quid
Kathy Ellis, 48, Windsor Sniffling as another tear fell, I looked up with bleary eyes to see my friend Stephen Bell. Taking my hand, he wiped a drop from my cheek. ‘It’ll be OK,’ he soothed. ‘I can’t believe she won’t be coming home,’ I sobbed in his
Chat2 min read
The Woman In The Picture
Caraldine Nolan, 35, Dublin The woman in the photos beamed in her figure-hugging cream gown. She’d just married the love of her life, was looking forward to the future. Hard to believe that used to be me, I thought, looking down at my saggy jeggings
Chat2 min readMedical
Spot Of Bother
Pearl Davison, 30, Leeds Glancing in the mirror before work, I was happy with the face looking back at me. I’d always been lucky. Even in my teens, I wasn’t plagued with pimples. I felt sorry for my pals as they tried to cover up blemishes with make-
Chat2 min readDiet & Nutrition
FOCUS ON… Superfoods For Stronger Bones
...and reds, and oranges. Essential for good all-round health, fruit and veg are also crucial for strong bones, thanks to their levels of other bonebuilders, such as potassium and vitamin C, plus calcium, protein and magnesium. Studies have shown tha
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Picture Perfect
My daughter Violet has recently welcomed a new guest into her tent. My sister’s dog Perdie loves nothing more than curling up in there with her to chill out. It’s so adorable to see. Meg Pattison, Shrewsbury Here’s one of Chat’s youngest fans! It’s m
Chat3 min readMedical
ASK Dr Martin
Q My husband’s had an appointment for a routine aneurysm check. I’m the same age, don’t I get one, too?Denise, Hinckley A No, I’m afraid that you don’t get one as well! This is the routine NHS test for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) which is offered
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We’re bed-hopping BFFs!
Elizabeth Harris, 36 Flicking his thumbs on the control pad, my hubby Jason, then 35, focused on the TV screen. ‘Turn it down,’ I said, grabbing the remote. It was February 2020 and we were relaxing at home. Jason had always loved playing video games
Chat2 min readCrime & Violence
True-life Crime Map
Kriss Donald, 15, was abducted, stabbed, doused in petrol and burnt to death by a group of men on 15 March 2004. His murder was apparently in revenge for an earlier incident at a Glasgow club, in which Kriss had no involvement. Faisal Mushtaq, Zeesha
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The Biggie
Anya Taylor-Joy’s first acting audition was for what role? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the two-word prize answer. 11 Pardon or forgive (6) 12 Type of plastic (9) 13 Friendly nation (4) 14 Sound of amusem
Chat1 min readCrime & Violence
Guilty
In summer 2017, Sarra Gilbert, 28, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of her mother, after the jury rejected the defence’s claim of insanity. Sentencing her to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison, judge Donald Williams said the long s
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Win £1,110 cash!
Which herb derives its name from the Latin for ‘sea dew’? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN £1,000 Puzzle 10 Your answer: To solve the
Chat4 min read
My Impossible Dream
Lauren Hooper, 34, Okehampton Sitting in the GP’s surgery, I stared at my doctor in shock. ‘You may not be able to conceive, or carry a baby,’ he explained. All my life I’d had heart problems, including a hole in the heart and an enlarged aorta. I’d
Chat1 min read
Little One
The Te Matatini is a biennial competition and festival for performers of what dance? Solve the crossword, then read down the yellow squares. The yellow shaded squares will spell out the competition answer. 1 Nocturnal insect (4) 5 Songbirds (5) 7 Act
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The Love Scam Detective
Samantha Cooper, 52, London Putting down the phone, I sighed and began typing. ‘Definitely a scammer,’ I muttered. Convinced I’d find proof the tearful woman I’d just been speaking to was the victim of a nasty con. As a private investigator, with my
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Win! £375 cash!
Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p3. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Rachel Howlett, Biggleswade, Beds 1 Large waste container 2 On one occasion 3 Physical
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Win! £200 cash!
What animal is represented by the three ‘loggerheads’ on the county of Shropshire’s coat of arms and flag? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer
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ASK Aunty Nelly
Q I’m seeing a girl and on our first date she broke down telling me about her dad who had died six months ago. I listened and wrapped my arms around her. But she cried again on our third date after losing her phone in a pub garden. Believe it or not,
Chat2 min read
My Beautiful Face
With a dab of eyeshadow, a slick of lip gloss and a smattering of powder, Vitoria Pipoquinha, 6, is ready for her close-up. ‘I need light over here, please,’ she calls, posing confidently for the camera. While many her age would be playing with dolls
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Win! £600 cash!
What does British comedian Gina Yashere have a phobia of seeing? To find out, solve the puzzle... Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell
Chat2 min read
One Year To Live
Jessica Horton, 31, Godalming Sucking my tummy in, I sighed at my profile in the mirror. Why do I still look bloated? I thought, frustrated. I’d recently lost a stone but could hardly do up my jeans. I’d hide my rounded tum in floaty tops. I wasn’t p
Chat2 min read
My Second Chance
Answering the call, I heard a voice say, ‘I’m calling from King’s College Hospital in London.’ A top surgeon from Australia had seen my file, wanted to meet me. ‘I think I can remove the tumour,’ he said, as I sat between Rob and Mum at the hospital.
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Cash smart
Keep track of old workplace pensions One in eight people don’t know how many old workplace pension pots they have, according to a poll by interactive investor (ii.co.uk). ‘The mystery of missing pensions is one you definitely want to solve as, over t
Chat1 min readTelecommunications
Saving Of The Week
You can get £10 off your first order with Porto (portoapp.com), an app (available on iOS and android) that sells make-up, hair and beauty products from brands including Caudalie and HD Brows. Use offer code PORTO at the checkout until 25 May 2021. Ne
Chat2 min readRegional & Ethnic
One-pot Wonders
Fast, easy and fab. Just the job for a great-value weekday meal with the family. SERVES 6 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOK TIME 25 MINS ● 1tbsp olive oil● 200g bacon lardons● 1 onion, chopped● 2 garlic cloves, crushed● 400g arborio risotto rice● 1-1.2ltr veget
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This week’s TV
It’s the Grand Final of the world’s biggest music competition, which this year is being broadcast live from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As usual, Graham Norton will provide commentary on the evening’s proceedings which will include James Newman rep
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Coming Soon...
Set in a secret underground club, this bizarre new game show will see Scarlett Moffatt lead groups of celebs as they take part in a series of ludicrous challenges where they face some terrifying opponents, including one of the world’s strongest men,
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Your STARS
21-27 May 2021 You expect the same commitment to a project from others as you give. They don’t deliver because people don’t understand your work ethic. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more This is a great time to change direction or job. Now’s the time to
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Go Green, Save Cash
Reduce how frequently you need to wash your clothes – and cut energy and water usage – by using Fabulosa’s Spray & Wear (250ml), available for £1 at B&M, which claims to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and comes in a range of fragrances. WORDS: REBECCA G
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A Danger In Disguise
Leigha Cummins, 22, Nottingham As my best friend raced upstairs, I followed, lugging a heavy suitcase. ‘Come on, slow coach!’ Sarah, then 14, shouted. At the top, a scrawny man with scruffy hair appeared from one of the bedrooms. Sarah’s stepdad John
Chat1 min readCrime & Violence
Your Questions Answered
Q I’ve heard about people being offered the chance to make easy money by being a ‘money mule’. I’ve never heard of these. What are they? T. Jones, Manchester. A The pandemic has seen a surge in criminals trying to lure people into becoming money mule
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Look Great Today
Q I hate the feeling of sticky body creams. Are there any non-greasy body lotions that are quick and easy to apply? Sally Pen fold, 67, Sussex A Not everyone loves a thick body cream or sticky body oil. They can leave skin feeling tacky, greasy and u
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Win! £500 cash!
The answers to all but one of these quiz questions can be found hidden in this wordsearch grid, reading forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. To help you, we’ll tell you that the answers are in alphabetical order in each section. However, one
Chat1 min read
Tried And Tested
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Silky & Glowing Shampoo, £4.99, Superdrug This new shampoo, infused with biotin and silk protein, leaves hair glossy, soft and thoroughly cleansed. It’s my new favourite Pantene formula! H&M Beauty Do-It-All Stick in Golden Apr
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3 Of The Best Skin Treatments
The Organic Pharmacy Honey & Jasmine Mask £6.67 theorganicpharmacy.com Soothing, moisturising and calming – the perfect combo for tired skin that’s in need of some comfort. Slather all over the face and neck for 10 minutes to allow ingredients to pen
Chat2 min readCooking, Food & Wine
6 Reasons To Visit... Malta
De Vilhena is a family-run boutique hotel, with exceptionally helpful staff and a delicious breakfast. Rooms have a smart TV, USB ports, a coffee machine, great Wi-Fi and a proper hairdryer. Molton Brown toiletries are also a nice touch. With bars an
Chat4 min readCrime & Violence
Inside The Deep Freeze
When 35-year- old Mitchelle Blair fell behind on her rent, it came as no surprise. Living in one of the most impoverished cities in the US, the single mum-of- four was unemployed, had little education. She’d had two daughters with Alexander J Dorsey,
Chat2 min readTechnology & Engineering
How To Enter
Simply text CHATD followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 84988 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in fut
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We Won!
Chat winners issue 08 (25 February) £1001 CASH M Hanscombe, Emsworth £1000 CASH S Gilbert, Sandy £500 CASH L Maclulskas, Sale; R Feeney, Honiton £250 CASH S Smith, Gillingham £150 CASH J Clarke, Daventry £100 CASH S Brown, London; E Hawkins, Sittingb
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In Next Week’s Chat
Hubby’s secret double life ALL YOUR FAVOURITE PUZZLES! My Frank came back from the dead! FASHION, FOOD, TIPS & MORE! PLUS FREE Real Crime digital mag for every reader T&Cs apply On sale 27 May ■
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A Letter To... The Girl Who Thought All Was Lost
To my old self, Lying awake into the early hours, you went over every detail of how you’d do it. How you’d take your own life. ‘You’re worthless and disgusting,’ you told yourself. It was 2014 and you’d lived in misery since six years earlier when a
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What’s The Answer?
Solutions to Chat issue 17 (29 April) Puzzle 1 2166086 Puzzle 3 Disco Puzzle 4 Sweet potato casserole Puzzle 5 1A, 1C, 2A, 2B, 4C Puzzle 6 Bars Puzzle 7 Rosebud Puzzle 8 Matt Lucas Puzzle 9 Mary Poppins Puzzle 10 Angola Puzzle 12 Eye Puzzle 13 Tera P

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