Bubbly rise in time for Valentine’s

ROMANTICS will pay more than 15 per cent more for a bottle of bubbly this Valentine’s Day.

Waitrose prices are up the most – an average of 92p – as it sells some of the most expensive champagne, with Louis Roederer Cristal rising from £180 to £195.

Asda has increased 20 of its brands including the chain’s Extra Special Asti sparkling wine from £6 to £7, or more than 15 per cent but is still relatively cheap.

However, Sainsbury’s cut average prices by 2p a bottle thanks to a promotion on Freixenet cava, down from £11 to £7.50.

The average price rise across all types and brands is just 22p a bottle, or one per cent, but this was because of price promotions.

Using data from Edge by Ascential, industry magazine The Grocer looked at prices this week compared with the same time last year.

Alcohol duty, the strength of the pound as well as fuel costs and the weather mean prices can fluctuate wildly.

The Grocer said those planning to toast their loved ones “face paying more for their bubbly”.

SUSANNA Reid was left fuming at co-host Piers Morgan – after he asked if the Strictly curse had hit her and Kevin Clifton.

The Good Morning Britain presenter was back in the arms of the professional dancer yesterday as they recreated some of the moves which took them to the 2013 Strictly Come Dancing final.

But she was visibly shocked when Morgan, 54, pointedly asked if the BBC show had sparked an extra-marital relationship.

Quizzing her live on ITV, he said: “I mean, did you or didn’t you? Did the Strictly curse strike?”

An unimpressed Susanna, 49, replied: “I don’t think we need Kevin Clifton in for me to answer that.”

When Clifton, 37, arrived in the studio Morgan repeated his questions, adding: “Your body is compressed very closely to a very attractive woman. Temptation, surely, is high,”

Clifton, who was on the breakfast show to promote his new musical, responded: “The Wedding Singer opens tonight, which is what we’re here to talk about Piers.”

When Morgan asked him why he would not answer, the dancer explained: “Because it’s generic. It’s the same question every journalist who doesn’t have a better question has asked for 10 years.”

The Strictly curse got its name after a series of romances between dancers and their on-screen partners.

Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton on ITV yesterday, main picture, and above, the pair in action on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013