Reply and Forward email content is double spaced but in read only mode, perfectly fine!

Hi there.  I have read all forum details relating to double space replies and have tried everything (removed signature completely - no copy / paste plus ensured that I have latest update installed and have even downloaded the repair file) but nothing is working.
ALL HTML reply and forward email content in body formats to double spaces.  This is NOT the issue in plain text which appears to be working fine.  I do not want plain text . 
What more can I do?  Thank you so very much!

PS - when selecting the paint format button in the reply email , it does nothing.