'I'm furious that my husband's ex-wife still goes by his name'

Whether you take your husband’s name or not is becoming an increasingly controversial issue for brides-to-be — who have to consider both their ­feminist principles and the ­potential wrath of their betrothed (and new in-laws).

But with more than four in ten marriages now ending in divorce, there’s another conundrum to consider; if you did take your husband’s surname, at what point do you give it up?

Spice Girl Geri drew attention to the issue this month when she referred to herself by her maiden name ‘Halliwell’ in a promotional film for Dior. The move came months after her husband, Formula 1 boss — whose surname she adopted when they ­married in 2015 — was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a Red Bull employee, an allegation that was dismissed in February. So what signal does changing your name send, and when is the right time to do it? As soon as you decide to split? Once the divorce is finalised? Or, is it now ‘your’ name, and nothing will take it from you?