CHERYL GIBBS: Crossing the Solent for an enchanting weekend away

This beautiful five-star boutique manor in Niton (kind of near Ventnor for those of you who know the island) is decorated from floor to ceiling in an ‘enchanted’ theme – think fairies, pixies and all things romantic.

It’s all done very tastefully though You get there and you just want to explore.

We took the car over on the Wightlink ferry to Fishbourne and spent most of the two days we were over there looking around the island – which, by the way, is a lot bigger than you think.

We were super-excited to see manor owners Maggie and Ric, who don’t look a day older than when we first met them five years ago.

A few things have changed, mind you.

They now have a huge wooden lodge in the grounds of the manor, which is their accommodation, and they invited us in for a glass of wine (or two) and some nibbles on the Friday night.

We had a good old chin wag – Maggie can chat away just like I can, which is really saying something, and Matt and Ric chipped in when they got a chance (lol).

It was so lovely to see them and hear all about what’s been happening in the past five years.

They’re the most understated and down-to-earth characters you’ll ever meet.

Don’t just take my word for it. If you look on TripAdvisor, so many people return to the manor just to see them and I can completely see why.

Over the course of the two days we ventured around the island, stopping at places such as Godshill for a cream tea (think of a tiny village that resembles something out of Lord of the Rings).

We also did a coastal drive all the way from Niton to Ventor, Shanklin, Sandown, Bembridge and Sea View.

What amazes me every time I go across the Solent is how different you feel when you’re there – it genuinely doesn’t feel like you’re just across the water from Portsmouth. I highly recommend it for a weekend away for those who don’t fancy travelling far.

I’M NOT SURPRISED THAT POSH WAS OUT CELEBRATING HER OBE

It’s been a good week for Victoria Beckham.

She was at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to receive an OBE from Prince William for her services to fashion.

Her gorgeous hubby David and her four children were by her side when the Duke of Cambridge handed over the honour.

Dressed in black, with burgundy heels and her hair swept up in a ‘posh’ updo, she really did look the part.

She celebrated in the evening with friends and family who joined her for a party.

Well to be fair, you would wouldn’t you? If you came face-to-face with the future king who rewarded you for your achievements, I’m sure you wouldn’t head straight home, have a cuppa and watch EastEnders.

HOW COULD CAITLYN JENNER DISH THE DIRT ON HER OWN FAMILY?

It seems there are more ructions in the Kardashian clan.

Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner, as in husband to Kris Jenner and father and stepfather to the Kardashian/Jenner sisters) has written a tell-all book that is set to really put the cat amongst the pigeons – as if she hasn’t done that already!

The book is apparently set to really dish the dirt on the Kardashian family.

Kris has reportedly gone mad about it, as have the children, including younger daughters Kendal and Kylie.

I just don’t get it. Well I do actually, as I think Caitlyn is motivated by the payday that will inevitably come with an expose book on the most famous family in the world.

But how could you do that to your family? In my family, we look after our own.