“As far as MCD are concerned, Catatonia are still confirmed,” says Witnness’ Nicola Watkins.

Reinforcing that, Warner Ireland’s Catherine Greenhalgh tells hotpress: “We’ve heard nothing to suggest that they won’t be coming.”

Matthews was the cause of a tabloid feeding frenzy last week when a spokesperson revealed that she was “receiving treatment for exhaustion and a recurring asthma complaint, both of which have been exacerbated by drinking and smoking. She fully expects to be back fighting fit very soon.”

On a more upbeat note, hotpress’ eight-page Witnness special starts on page 18.