[Dr. Frank fan]

P.S. What I mean is this: If this were an American article, the word "boyfriend" would be used. Unless, of course, it couldn't be, because the "friend" in question is not a "boy". In that case, I can imagine a newspaper editor, seeking to avoid writing "girlfriend" (for PC reasons - i.e. "it'd be homophobic to play up the lesbian angle"), casting about for a good substitute, and deciding on "lover". The result would look awkward (because "lover" is not often used), but it would be accurate, and conceal what the interests of PC require them to conceal.

As a result, I would conclude that the "lover" is a female.

I just don't know if "lover" is as uncommon in the UK press, so I can't draw that conclusion here.

[Cicero]

A "lover" is someone you're having sex with but are not married to. Presumably it's a man.

Very sad story. The poor girl trying to do her homework and get on with her life because she just can't believe her mother would run out on her like that.

[Happygal]

Lover is pretty frequently used in the British Tabloid press.

I'd never assume it to be another woman.

[Bonaparte]

"it'd be homophobic to play up the lesbian angle"

...unless it were john kerry in debate.