When friends BECOME ENEMIES

With reports of a bitter rift between two of the Spice Girls, we explore why bust-ups with friends are more common in midlife than you may think

- KATE MULVEY

They are there to cheer us up when we’re feeling down, offer advice when we’re feeling lost, or give brutal honesty when we need humbling. In fact, experts argue that a good friendship is life’s greatest love story, trumping that of a romantic partner. ‘Friendship never ends,’ sang the Spice Girls on their hit Wannabe. But fast forward 30 years and the five pals are having to eat their words. Just recently it was reported that Geri Horner and Mel B are embroiled in an ugly feud, with claims that they ‘can’t bear’ to be on the stage together, pulling the plug on a Spice Girls reunion tour. As grown women in their 40s and 50s, with decades of friendship behind them, why can’t they resolve their issues?

According to experts, midlife friendship blips are not uncommon. Woman investigates and speaks to a writer who has learnt the hard way that some friendships don’t last forever…

Kate Mulvey, 62, lives in London.