Candy LCE2 washer/dryer STOP light wont go out so wont start

The washing machine is about 8 years old and has never malfunctioned before.
I set the machine for a 3 hour delayed start but it did not start at the proper time -in fact not at all. I then turned the Programme selector to Off and all indicator lights went off. I selected a wash programme but the flashing STOP light that normally indicates the end of a wash would not go off after the Start button was pressed. The wash did not proceed.
I’ve unplugged the machine, turned it to Off, but everytime I select a wash programme (even tried a Spin cycle) the flashing STOP light won’t go off and the wash won’t start.
I’ve checked the filter, the water inlet and outlet. Nothing has changed since I did a wash a few days ago. The only thing different was I used the Delay start function. (I have used the Delay start function occasionally in the past with no problem)
I’ve run out of ideas–Help