What's really going on in that platonic friendship

'He is like a brother to me'

Rachel Rice, 21 recently graduated in English literature and drama.

Rachel who says that she has many male friends, said: "If you're friends with a boy people think there's more to it.

"People do enjoy a good gossip, though, and assume there is more than a good friendship.

"I think society is to blame, it makes people think that they can't just be good friends," she added.

Rachel, from Cwmbran, who is a model, says her male friends include John Lewis, who she sees as a brother figure.

"Now I'm older I don't think it is as bad. John is my brother's best friend but he's like a brother to me. We have a laugh together and I've known him since I was 14. Every New Year's Day we have a family meal and John is always there."