Valentine's Day

CARRIE GRANT, 38, is a vocal coach and judge on BBC1's Fame Academy. She is married to Eighties pop star David Grant, 47. They have two children, Olivia, nine, and Talia, two, and live in North London.

Carrie says: YES, it sounds like a cliche, but there's nothing more romantic than a trip to Paris.

Ten years ago, before we had the girls, I decided to surprise David. I cleared his diary for three days, which is no mean feat, bought the flights and booked a hotel in the centre of town.

Money was really quite tight in those days and there's no way he'd have suspected a thing. The day before we were due to fly, I planted the tickets inside a Paris guide book. Initially, he looked at me like I'd gone mad - but when the tickets dropped out and he twigged, he gave me the biggest hug.

Although it rained every day, was cold and rather grey, David and I had the most wonderful time. We walked everywhere, had fine wine and ate in restaurants off the beaten track.

This year is a complete contrast. We'll be working all day on Ian Wright's show, then judging an Elvis competition at Hamleys. But after that we've booked a table in a country mansion near to our home.

Although we've decided not to get each other presents, David writes a lot of poetry, and every Valentine's Day he pens something new for me. I know he's going to do it, but he writes so beautifully and so thoughtfully that I'm always reduced to tears. What more could I ask for?