Stephanie Smith: Snubbed stepmother Sian invites our sympathy

Nor is she one to hide her pain. Most of us would pretend to be “so not bothered”, keen not to evoke public pity or give satisfaction to the originators of such a targeted and wounding snub. But not TV weather presenter Sian, who has told a Welsh newspaper that she still has no idea why her invitation to the wedding of her stepdaughter Suzanne to Euan (son of Tony) Blair was rescinded.

Sian, who is married to Suzanne’s father Jonathan Ashman, said she “genuinely hand on heart” hadn’t a clue why she was disinvited from the wedding, held last weekend at Tony and Cherie Blair’s Buckinghamshire mansion (a gigantic cupcake of a Georgian stately home set in stunning ornamental gardens – I’ve had a good look online, obviously).

There have been plenty rumours as to why. Perhaps she’s a bit too political? I must say, her opposition to Tony Blair’s stance on Syria has completely passed me by, as has her opposition to the war in Iraq, but these have been mooted as motives.

There have been suggestions too that tensions had been simmering between Sian and Suzanne’s mother, Mr Ashman’s first wife, Sedef, with rumours of a heated phone call, but Sian insists not, describing their relationship as “absolutely wonderful” and pointing out that she dined with Sedef and Suzanne a month ago.

It’s all rather flabbergasting, which is how Sian herself put it, according to a friend, who added: “She is puzzled at the reason behind such rudeness.” Sian’s flabbergastment continues in emails she has reportedly written to a friend: “Designer dress and posh heels returned to wardrobe with a sigh...” she says. Aw.

However, I think I might have uncovered the real reason for the snub. A fortnight ago, she presented the weather sporting a new beehive hairdo that I suspect she was trying out for the nuptials. Frankly, it wasn’t a good look, but it sparked a Twitter storm and media coverage. Imagine what attention she might have snapped up at the wedding, in the right (or wrong) outfit.

No doubt some will take the view that Sian Lloyd is making a meal of all this. Perhaps she is. But it is very rude to invite someone to a wedding and then disinvite them, whatever the reason. And what sort of day did Mr Ashman have, torn between loyalty to wife and daughter?

There are some women you cross at your peril, and Sian Lloyd is obviously one of them. Yes, the bride looked beautiful, but what this wedding will chiefly be remembered for is a very public snub to a TV celebrity stepmother.

Twitter: @yorkshirefashQ