Kylie’s joyful return is a reminder of much more

Kylie’s back! Back in Britain, I say. I wouldn’t quite equate her with the ravens at the Tower of London, but let’s just say the singer’s safe return to her adoptive homeland is immensely reassuring.

For a start, she’s been reunited with her boyfriend. Although maybe “lover” sounds more glamorous – and certainly more amorous? Then again, she’s 53, and they’re official, so does that make him a “partner”?

Whatever. Our best-loved popstrel is once again in the Lucky in love: Kylie is back in the UK with partner Paul Solomons arms of tall, dark, handsome Paul Solomons, 46, creative director of GQ magazine, who stayed here through the Covid travel chaos while she was in Australia.

They make a lovely couple and it’s wonderful to see her happy. Kylie’s personal life has not mirrored the glittering success of her singing career, and breast cancer in 2005 was a shocking blow.

But there’s also a wider symbolism to her joy: it serves as a reminder of so many loved ones kept apart by the pandemic. Grandparents who couldn’t meet their new grandchildren, faraway siblings unable to support one another, international couples rent asunder.

Amid the fuss about the cancellation of Costa getaways, the deeper, human narrative was one of heartbreak, not holidays.

You go get your man, Kylie.