For goodness Sykes, Mel!

I NEVER believe women of a certain age who claim: “I don’t need a man.”

This week it’s Mel Sykes, 50: “I don’t need a father for my kids and I don’t need a man to support me financially. I don’t want to negotiate what I watch, when I go to bed or when I eat.”

Mel is drop-dead gorgeous and she’s smart – but not when it comes to blokes.

She married roofer Jack Cockings, 16 years her junior, in 2014, who she divorced after seven months because he hit her.

And recent boyfriends have included Steve Coogan (recovering sex and drug addict) and Olly Murs (pop star, 14 years younger).

When Mel learns to make mature choices, she just might find a bloke who enhances her life rather than limits it.

THE HUSBAND, who studiously avoids talking to people on planes (me included), was flying to Bucharest when the very attractive lady next to him asked him to help her fill in a form.

He told me later she looked 55. Her hair and make-up were perfect. She was wearing a short-ish skirt, very expensive high heels and her face was virtually unlined.

The form required her age so he asked her. “I’m 83,” she said.

The Husband nearly fell off his seat. “And I’m going to Bucharest to see my boyfriend who’s 28 and whose mother hates me because I look better than her.”

Before he could get a word in, she went on. “I know he’s too young for me but my husband died two years ago and I just love sex.”

And does she really look that good, I asked him later: “She really does.” he said.

I should probably be worried but, at 57, The Husband is 30 years too old for her!