Latest news with #RealLives
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I was a victim of ‘Del Boy' of BBLs I am thrilled Katie Price's butt lift injector has been banned after I almost died
READING the news that her former surgeon Rick Sawyer has been banned cosmetic procedures Bonnie Louise Cooper felt a wave of relief sweep over her body. Sawyer, who gained notoriety performing the BBLs on Katie Price, will no longer be able to practice cosmetic surgery across England and Wales for three years after being slapped with the ban in Manchester Civil Court. 6 Bonnie-Louise Cooper fought for her life after having a BBL at one of Rick Sawyer's clinics Credit: Supplied 6 The mum-of-one contracted sepsis and is lucky to be alive Credit: Supplied He was exposed after a BBC documentary showed him using a rented office block in London to perform the potentially deadly procedure that left some victims, including Bonnie, hospitalised with deadly sepsis. Bonnie, 27, was one of the women whose evidence had been used to ensure the man she had dubbed an 'evil Del Boy,' was served with an injunction. Sawyer has been banned from conducting any procedures in England and Wales until 27 May 2028 after a court heard evidence his BBL procedure had exposed women to sepsis. The injunction also prohibits him from possessing related surgical equipment or any antibiotics typically used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his own personal use. Read More on Real Lives 'I can finally breathe again, Sawyer can no longer hurt any other women,' says Bonnie. 'I was left writing in agony and screaming in pain because of this procedure. 'I still need treatment for my injuries two years on. 'It's a huge relief and I know it's going to send a message to other so-called 'experts' who claim to be trained and licensed. Most read in Fabulous 'These people are evil Del Boys who inflict suffering on unwitting victims. 'I'd be dead if my sister hadn't called the ambulance and gotten me into hospital. Watch as Katie Price livestreams her bum filler op for shocked fans as TWO surgeons inject her on operating table 'My little boy would have been an orphan all because of one of Sawyer's liquid butt lifts.' Beautician Bonnie, lives in Swanage, Dorset is mum to five -year-old Kash and says she decided to have a liquid BBL in November 2023. 'I thought I was doing the right and responsible thing by choosing a British clinic, I was told it was the safest option,' she says. 'I chose the one used by Katie Price on London's elite Harley Street thinking it safe.' But the night before, Bonnie admits she was stunned when she received a text with the address of the practitioner's "second clinic" in Romford, Essex. 'I was assured this was normal,' she remembers. When Bonnie arrived, the mum was told the producer was 'entirely safe'. 'It was explained I was having 250 mils of filler injected into each buttock,' she says. 6 The mum had her bum injected with filler in the hope to get a pert bottom Credit: supplied 6 Katie Price has previously promoted Sawyer 6 More than 30 people have spoken to the BBC claiming Sawyer botched their procedures 'I was given some numbing cream, but I wasn't prepared for the pain of the cannula injection. 'I always thought that giving birth was the worst pain I had ever experienced but labour was nothing compared to this.' Bonnie says the procedure was done in a beauty salon style environment and she was told to stand rather than lie down for the injections. 'I was in shock after the procedure,' she admits. 'I tried to put on a brave face, I was told I was likely to feel a bit odd because of the numbing cream. 'I asked if I should drive home and was told it was fine. 'That didn't make sense to me. I'd just had half a litre of filler injected into my bum. 'I wasn't given any after care instructions and was sent home without antibiotics and by the time I got home, I was screaming in agony. 'I couldn't get out of the car, and I started to vomit and fainted trying to get into my house. 'I rang the clinic, and I was told that they would get antibiotics for me the next day and advised me to go to bed.' Bonnie's sister Lisa-Marie Hughes,32, a stay-at-home mum, visited her that night, and had she not Bonnie might not be alive. 'She found me delirious, sweating and in absolute agony,' Bonnie recalls. Bonnie was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis. She was given morphine regularly for the next four days and intravenous antibiotics to fight the injection. 'I had an emergency MRI scan, and it revealed the procedure had caused muscle damage,' Bonnie says. 'It was so serious I was given a referral to Salisbury Plastics for dissolving procedures.' It took almost five days before Bonnie was well enough to be sent home. 'I had to take two different types of antibiotics for another month and was still on painkillers two months later,' she says. 'The antibiotics promised by the clinic never arrived and I was never told, despite asking what type of filler they used. 'The hospital tried to call the salon, but they didn't answer. It was awful. 'I felt like I'd been thrown to the wolves. I was left with no aftercare and no follow up.' 'I have huge regrets, and I still worry about on-going long-term side effects. I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall Bonnie Cooper 'It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. No one should ever have to experience that.' The standard surgical BBL involves the patient having fat harvested from their own body and re-injection into the buttock area. A non-invasive liquid BBL uses a range of dermal fillers including hyaluronic acid which is injected into each buttock using a large cannula to add volume. The liquid BBL is promoted as relatively pain free because the filler contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. While it seemed like the perfect option, two years on Bonnie is still suffering from her botched BBl. 'Two years on and I am still having physiotherapy on one of my legs to treat nerve damage two times a week,' she says. 'I have a shooting nerve in one leg. It's a constant reminder of what I suffered at the hands of Sawyer's clinics.' Bonnie is one of more than forty women used as evidence for the case for the self-styled 'celeb backed' expert to be banned. As part of the ban the Manchester Civil Court attached a power of arrest to the order, meaning Sawyer could be arrested without a warrant if he is found to be in breach of the terms. The court, together with Trafford Council, heard evidence which included a BBC documentary showing him working out of a rented office performing the procedures. The lawyer James Parry, who raised the case, said the injuries suffered were akin to that of a 'serious knife crime'. Sawyer, who is described as a beauty consultant, was found to be administering injections containing up to 1,000ml of dermal filler into clients' buttocks, without having a single healthcare qualification. What are Brazilian Butt Lifts and why are they so popular? Buttock enlargement surgery - known as a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) - is used to make the bum look bigger, rounded and lifted. Surgeons transfer fat, inject filler or insert silicone-filled implants. It is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure but also one of the most dangerous, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Many patients are travelling to the likes of Turkey or seeking out unregistered surgeons in the UK and are not given full information on the risks. BBLs carry the highest risk of all cosmetic surgeries - with more than one death occurring per 4,000 procedures. Due to celebrities undergoing such ops, many women are hoping to emulate their looks. Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Anu Sayal-Bennett, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, told Many people travel abroad for the procedure because it is cheaper and advertising is "terribly seductive", combined with the idea of a beach holiday, added Dr Sayal-Bennett. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has welcomed the ban. Institute President, Mark Elliot, slamming the shocking and dangerous practices Mr Sawyer was found to have committed saying 'the regulatory framework has failed to keep pace with the increase in the prevalence of cosmetic procedures in recent years, fuelled by social media,' The Sawyer ban comes six weeks after socially 'irresponsible' adverts for liquid Brazilian butt lifts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority in Britain. The Authority found a slew of promotional posts on Facebook and Instagram broke the rules - and featured time-limited discounts that could rush consumers into making decisions. It banned six BBL providers from using their ads in the current form again, finding they could pressure women into booking cosmetic surgery "without taking sufficient time to consider the consequences". According to the watchdog 'Undertaking cosmetic surgery should have been portrayed as a decision that required time and thought from consumers before proceeding, because of the risks involved. Some of the adverts featured before-and-after images of Brazilian butt lifts, with captions such as: "Get the curves and contours you've always wanted with our safe and effective body filler treatments.' Others urged potential customers to take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to get that perfect peachy look" - and warned "limited space" was available on certain days. Bonnie says the ban should be just the first step in a continued crackdown on so-called back street beauty consultants. 'I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall,' she adds. Bonnie, who has campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of this style for BBL, is now calling for new laws making it illegal to perform procedures like this in Britain. 'I fell victim to Sawyer in 2023, and it's taken almost two years for action,' she says. 'There needs to be a fast-tracked approach or new laws to regulate the industry. 'This ban is a start.' 6 Bonnie says that Sawyer's ban is a step in the right direction Credit: supplied
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was almost 50 when I had my first baby, people call me selfish and I've lost friends over it but older mums are better
WHEN Rene Byrd first held her baby boy, Crue, in her arms, she felt like life was finally complete. The Londoner had spent years battling infertility before deciding to undergo IVF – a journey that cost her over £20,000. 4 Rene Byrd was 48 when she welcomed her first baby Credit: Jam Press/Rene Bryd 4 She says she has received plenty of criticism but believes older women make better mums Credit: Jam Press/Rene Bryd But Rene's struggle didn't stop other parents from judging her for becoming a mum later in life. The singer-songwriter was met with cruel 'jokes' after telling people she'd given birth at 48. She's also lost friends since having a baby. Although the comments stung, Rene says she is determined to ignore the negativity and finally embrace motherhood. Read More on Real Lives 'I had people making [say things like], 'You'll be old when your child grows up',' she said 'People have told me it's selfish. 'They say it jokingly, but you know they're not joking. 'It can make you feel guilty, but I just want to be the best mum I can be. Most read in Fabulous 'You do question yourself – am I too old? 'Some people in my life dropped off after I had [my son] Reality TV star reveals she's pregnant with second baby just months after admitting marriage was 'lowest it's ever been' 'I have a friend I don't even see anymore. 'Some relationships dissolved.' Rene had always dreamed of becoming a mum, but life didn't exactly go to plan. Rene met her now-husband, 42-year-old American attorney Demetrious, by chance in a London bar. Aware of her biological clock, the pair started trying for a baby in 2017 when Rene was 40. She even spent about £2,000 on Chinese herbal remedies and fertility tonics to help her get pregnant. But after a year of trying, Rene realised that starting a family wouldn't be as easy as she'd hoped. She said: 'We tried to conceive naturally, but my age was always a factor. 'The panic starts to set in – you realise time is slipping away. 'I spent a couple of grand on different tonics overseas – anything that looked like it could help. 'It was getting me down. 'I knew my window was closing. 'Eventually, I accepted that it probably wasn't going to happen without some assistance.' Rene and Demetrious eventually decided to explore IVF in a bid to start their dream family. The couple spent a few years researching treatments and clinics before taking the leap. Following a rough IVF journey – Rene described the procedure as 'invasive' – she found out she was pregnant in April 2024, just a few months after the couple got married. She said: 'I didn't realise just how emotional it would be. 'There's so much uncertainty. 'So many tests – you're constantly putting your body through it. 'I had an underlying condition that was a big factor. 'They check all your hormones, and, as women, there are so many to track. 'You have to do regular blood tests, and they expire after a certain time, so you're constantly redoing them. 'Emotionally, it was draining, and I wasn't sure if it would even work. 'Financially, it was a huge strain – in total, it cost over £20,000.' Rene can recall the moment she learned she was pregnant. She said: They told me I needed to do a beta test – it looks at hormone levels in your blood to confirm pregnancy. 'I went in that morning, and the lady from the clinic started crying. The struggle of choosing a baby name CHLOE Morgan, a Senior Writer at Fabulous, has revealed her dilemma on choosing a baby name... At 35 weeks pregnant, by far the trickiest part of pregnancy for me in the past few months (minus the insomnia and countless night-time wee breaks!) has been trying to decide on a baby name. The dilemmas are endless... My partner and I went for a private scan to find out the gender as early as we could - partly due to the fact we thought it would make baby naming so much easier because we'd only have to come up with a list of names for one gender rather than two. How wrong we were... I was absolutely thrilled to be told I was expecting the baby girl I'd already dreamed of, but being one of the last of my friends to fall pregnant, I've had countless conversations over the years with excited pals discussing their top With each friend mentioning at least 10 possible monikers, I can't help but feel like several are now a no-go even though I know it's something that none of them would mind in the slightest - it's a total me problem! The debate comes up time and time again on social media forums - can you choose the same name that was a "potential" for a friend's baby? It's a very divisive topic and opinions are always I don't want to be THAT person. While some will argue there's thousands of other names out there to choose from, others will say you need to choose YOUR all, there's no guarantee that person will even have another baby. Then there's also the issue of finding a name you to research it online and read one negative comment amongst hundreds of positives that you just can't shake off. I made that very mistake when I fell in love with a certain name (I won't reveal it because I don't want to ruin it for others!) ...only to see someone point out that it constantly gets autocorrected on a phone to something rather rude instead. So, back to the drawing board we went.. Just five weeks to go and it looks like our little one is going to be known as 'baby gal' for a little while longer! 'I thought it was bad news – but they were happy tears. 'She told me, 'You're pregnant.' 'I cried my eyes out. 'That was just the beginning of the journey. 'I've always wanted children – the real challenge was finding the right person to have them with. 'All around me, my friends were having babies. 'I was always at baby showers and christenings. I've been a godmother to so many kids. 'I had a vision board with a little boy on it. 'In my heart, I always longed to hold a baby that was mine.' Following a pregnancy marked by intense nausea and fluctuating hormones, Crue was born via C-section on 28 November last year. Rene said: 'They placed him on my chest for skin-to-skin contact. 'That's when it hit me – this is real, he's here.' Despite the criticism that's come since Rene says she wouldn't change a thing. She said, 'There are so many positives to having a child later in life. 'I'm more financially stable, more patient, and I've lived a full life. 'I feel more in control, more confident. 'I've spent years around friends' kids, reading, learning. 'I'm in a completely different headspace. 'You do get that twinge of guilt when you think about being older, but it's nobody's business. 'You have to live your own life in your own time.' 4 Rene spent £20,000 on fertility treatment over the years Credit: Jam Press/Rene Bryd 4 Rene says that as an older mother she is more financially stable to support her baby Credit: Jam Press/Rene Bryd
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
My sister's ex killed her over a Facebook post – police left her calls for help ‘incomplete' then 11 days later she died
WHEN Shannon Tierney's older sister, Regan gushed about her new boyfriend, she was nothing but happy for her. She never could have imagined what would happen just a year later when Regan welcomed her first child with Danny Patten, 31. 7 Regan Tierney was stabbed to death by her ex boyfriend Danny Patten Credit: HotSpot Media 7 The couple (pictured together) met in 2009 and their relationship had been normal until they welcomed their first baby Credit: HotSpot Media 7 Her sister Shannon (pictured right with Regan) had been desperate for her sister to leave abusive Patten Credit: HotSpot Media What was supposed to be a joyful time became a living nightmare for the then 18-year-old as Patten became controlling and physically abusive. Regan, who later had a second child with Patten, put up with his physical violence for a decade. It wasn't until March 2019, following the sudden death of her mum, Zoe, Regan But no one could have predicted that posting a Facebook status a month later would be the last thing Regan would ever do with Patten brutally stabbing her to death before taking his own life. Read More on Real Lives Shannon, 30, says: 'My sister went through years of hell. 'When she finally had the chance to be happy, he killed her. 'Danny couldn't handle that she was starting life without him and took the worst revenge imaginable. 'I miss my beautiful and brave sister every day.' Most read in Fabulous When Regan and Patten got together in May 2009, their relationship moved fast. They moved in together and were expecting their first child within a year. My perfect husband was hiding a twisted truth that led to a bloodbath – police found me in 'worst crime scene' ever Shannon, from Manchester, says: 'At first, I was really happy for her. But after their baby was born, Danny became so controlling. 'I was at Regan's almost every day and saw his harassing texts, accusing her of having men at the house.' In October 2012, Shannon and her grandparents were 'I woke up at 3:30am to missed calls from a friend,' she recalls. 'When I called her back, she said Regan was in hospital, and I rushed to be with her. 'I was shocked to find her covered in blood with a swollen nose. 'She sobbed as she told me Danny had punched her in the face then kicked and spat on her before running off.' Shannon pleaded with her sister to report him to the police. 7 Shannon (pictured with Regan as children) misses her 'beautiful brave sister' every day Credit: HotSpot Media 7 Regan plucked up the courage to leave Patten after the death of her mum in 2019 Credit: HotSpot Media 7 But when she changed her relationship status on Facebook a month later, Patten took her life before taking his own Credit: HotSpot Media Regan agreed, and Patten was convicted of grievous bodily harm and handed a Following the ordeal Regan moved in with their grandparents and Shannon hoped she'd move on. But months later, Patten convinced Regan he'd changed and she took him back soon after. Shannon says: 'It was obvious to me that he was manipulating her, but she couldn't see it.' The pair had a second child in January 2015, and Patten's abuse worsened. Shannon offered for her sister to live with her and her husband Alan, now 29, and daughter Penelope, now nine, but Regan wanted to keep her family together. Shannon continues: 'I tried to be civil with Danny for the kids' sake and Regan's, but I hated him.' Months later, Regan confided in Shannon that Patten had threatened to throw acid in her face and stab her if she left him; she knew she had to get out. Soon after, as she planned to leave him, their mum, Zoe, 46, passed away suddenly which spurred Regan into action. Shannon remembers: 'Mum had always begged her to leave Danny, so she felt she was honouring her wishes. 'She kicked him out and changed the locks.' But Patten bombarded Regan with messages. It hit me, she was gone. I fell to my knees. Shannon Tierney A month on, Regan met a new man and Shannon could see how much happier she was. On June 4, 2019, Regan changed her relationship status on Facebook, believing Patten wouldn't see it as she'd blocked him. But seconds later, Patten messaged after a mutual friend had shown him Regan's post. Shannon says: 'He demanded to know if her new boyfriend had kids. 'He just couldn't leave her alone. It shook Regan up.' That night, Shannon was playing on her Xbox and waiting for Regan to log in and join her to play a game like they often did. When there was no sign of her sister, she assumed she was with her new boyfriend. Shannon explains: 'At 2am I got a message from Danny asking if I was awake followed by a missed call. 'It was odd and when I tried to call him back, he didn't answer. 'Something felt wrong.' Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. Then, Shannon got a call that would change her life forever. She says: 'My nan rang in hysterics. 'She said Danny had called our grandad and told him he'd killed Regan. 'I couldn't take it in. 'I got a taxi to Regan's house and the police were everywhere. 'My dad was there because he was the one who'd found her body. 'It hit me, she was gone. I fell to my knees.' Minutes later, Patten was carried out of the garage on a stretcher and taken to hospital as he'd tried to take his own life. Regan had been stabbed nine times in the chest. Two days later, Patten died. Shannon says: 'I was so relieved he was gone that he couldn't hurt anyone else. 'But having to tell their children their parents were both gone was so hard. 'I became their legal guardian. My beautiful sister didn't deserve to meet a monster like Danny and to have her life taken so soon Shannon Tierney 'It was so hard to carry on without Regan.' An inquest was opened and five years later, in July 2024, the coroner concluded that Regan's death may have been prevented if more support was offered by state agencies. Regan had called Greater Manchester Police to report threats by Patten, but they took three days to visit her and the domestic violence risk assessment was left 'incomplete' and 'incorrect'. Eleven days later, Regan was killed. Shannon says: 'My beautiful sister didn't deserve to meet a monster like Danny and to have her life taken so soon. 'She was only 27. More could've been done to save her. 'Me and her kids talk about her every day and sometimes watch old home videos of her. 'On her birthday, which is Christmas Eve, we lay flowers on her grave and we let balloons off on the anniversary of her death. 'I'll do whatever I can to keep her memory alive.' A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police commented: "We have fully accepted the conclusion of the coroner at Regan's inquest last August. We have since personally apologised to Regan's father for the opportunities we missed that could have prevented such a tragic outcome. "We know our response to domestic abuse in the past was simply not good enough and we have let down victims down. Since 2019, we have made clear improvements in protecting those who need us at their time of need, but we acknowledge that this will not take away the pain felt by Regan's family. "GMP's improved response to domestic abuse has helped halve homicides since 2021 and is seeing more victims kept safe from offenders thanks to the work of dedicated officers using a range of tools, including the Home Office's recent Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot. We continue to be determined to succeed in reducing domestic abuse across GM." 7 Shannon (left) says more could have been done to save her sister Regan Credit: HotSpot Media
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was the sixth Spice Girl – my voice was too strong for the other members, now I work in a hospital but I'm still a fan
WALKING through the halls of Hinchingbrooke hospital, Mel Coloma hears the Spice Girls hit Spice Up Your Life come on the hospital radio. Singing along Mel, 50, opens the door of the operating theatre prep room to double check the supply list while she tends to a patient. 7 Mel Coloma made it through auditions to be selected as one of the original Spice Girls Credit: Supplied 7 However, she was eventually replaced by Victoria Beckham Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 7 Mel, seen in her teens, says that her voice was too strong for the other members Credit: Supplied 'I love the Spice Girls,' says the patient, before complimenting Mel on her singing skills. Mel hides a cheeky grin because little do they know they're talking to a former Spice Girl themself. Three decades ago, the now mum and NHS staffer was one of the original members of the best-selling girl bands in the world – The Spice Girls — before she was replaced by Victoria Beckham. 'I made it through the final eight at the Spice Girls auditions in 1994 now I'm an NHS hospital worker and a mum-of-two,' she says. Read More on Real Lives 'I lost my place in the iconic girl band to Posh Spice because my voice was too strong. 'I was there when all the band members auditioned. I can't believe it was 30 years ago – for me it feels like yesterday.' But Mel isn't resentful of her former bandmates, in fact she counts herself as a fan. 'I can't wait for the Spice Girls to Most read in Fabulous 'My son won't want to come but I am sure I can convince my teen daughter to attend with her mum. 'I'll be going even if Victoria Beckham isn't taking part. Posh may have hung up her mike but I'm still performing all over the country. Mel B drops biggest clue yet that Spice Girls are reuniting with cryptic comment on Instagram 'Music is in my DNA. It's why I will never give it up. It's why I know how the other Spice Girls want to get back on stage again. 'The Spice Girls audition was amazing. I'll never forget it. There will never be another girl band like that.' Last month, it was revealed the iconic girl group would be reuniting for a world tour to celebrate 30 years since the release of the debut single Wannabe next year. Last week While Victoria Beckham is 90 per cent out of the running' Mel C couldn't hide her excitement about the chance to reunite with her band mates., Speaking on the No Filter with Kate Langbroek podcast, Sporty Spice says, 'Next year is a big year for us and we have to acknowledge it in some way. 'So, we are talking about what that's going to look like and for me, Melanie, I know for sure, and Emma [Bunton], we'd be back on stage. 'But sometimes other people need a little bit more convincing.' 7 The original Spice Girls audition call Credit: Supplied 7 Mel pictured singing at the original auditions Credit: Supplied 7 The mum now works as an NHS staffer and says she is still a Spice Girls fan Credit: Supplied The now hospital staffer Mel says: 'I wouldn't need any convincing. I should offer to step in for Posh instead. 'I understand why Posh is more focused on her fashion empire. But come on Victoria – just one more time for the fans. 'If she is determined to stay away, the other girls should consider me. All they need to do is call. After all, I was in the final eight.' Mel was just 18 when she queued with more than 400 teen girls to audition for a new girl band in March 1994 She and hundreds of other wannabes had all responded to an ad in The Stage newspaper which read R.U. 18-23 WITH THE ABILITY TO SING/DANCE R.U. STREETWISE, OUTGOING, AMBITIOUS & DEDICATED HEART MANAGEMENT LTD' 'I remember circling the ad and getting the train from Huntingdon East Anglia where I lived with my parents,' she says. 'I was desperate to break into the music industry and would attend up to seven auditions a week.' The Spice Girls audition was held in the top floor studios at Pineapple Studios in Marylebone London. 'There were all shapes and sizes of girls there,' Mel recalls. 'Some were experienced and I'd seen them at other auditions and others were clearly newbies to the try-out scene.' Mel and the other girls were taken into the studio, and each had a chance to sing for producers. 'When it was my turn, I sang the 'Some of the girls trying out were super confident, others shy and some clearly trained dancers. It was competitive. 'We all wanted to be noticed. You had to stand out and bring the magic.' After sitting through 400 auditions the casting agents called out the names of the girls they wanted to see at the next audition. 'I held my breath hoping for a call back,' Mel says. 'And then the casting director called out Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown and Victoria Addams.' As a disappointed Mel grabbed her portfolio to leave an assistant tapped her on the shoulder and said she was wanted as well. 'We want you too - you must stay,' she said. Mel and the seven other girls who made it through to the next round of auditions were making global entertainment history - the creation of The Spice Girls. In the first round Mel sang a solo and then the girls got broken into groups of 10 to dance to the song 'Stay'. I could have made millions, married a football player and ended up with houses all over the world Mel Coloma Mel explains: 'My group included Melanie Brown or 'Scary Spice.' 'She and I hit it off. We chatted about other auditions. I remember thinking she was a great dancer and had a great look.' Mel's second audition as part of the final eight at Nomis Studios in Shepherds Bush in London. Geri Halliwell who would become Ginger Spice had missed the first audition and blagged her way into the second try out in April. 'We had to sing again,' said Mel. Then we were put into groups of three. 'My group was Geri, myself, and another girl. The third girl was quite confident, but Geri and I worked well together. "It was a teamwork exercise in making up steps as a group. She and I really got along. We'd both been doing the audition rounds and made the team exercise work for us. 'Mel C, Geri and I were like all the other girls doing auditions then. You showed up, auditioned, and then headed off to the next try out. You never knew when you'd hear back.' The auditions had been organised by Chris and Bob Herbert who ran Heart Management and wanted to create a girl band that could compete with boy bands dominating the UK pop charts at the time. Together with financier Chris Murphy they wanted five different girls who would appeal to different segments of the audience. 'We were told the audition was for a group called Touch. 'Touch never made it, but instead the Spice Girls were born. After the second audition Mel was told her voice was too strong and may dominate a group. 'I remember thinking Mel B performed incredibly well at the auditions and Geri had reddish hair and was full of energy,' she said. 'I knew my style was like those girls. 'At the time it was just another audition. It wasn't until two years later that I switched on the TV and saw the video for Wannabe and saw someone that looked familiar. 'Mel B's face flashed up on the screen and everything fell into place. This was the group I'd been a part of. THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD'S BIGGEST GIRLBAND THE famous girlband The Spice Girls was formed in 1994. The band's debut single Wannabe reached No1 in 37 countries in 1996. Their first six singles went to No1 and they became a symbol of '90s feminism. However, Geri quit in 1998 and in December 2000, the Spice Girls ceased all promotional activities for their third and final studio album Forever. They announced they were taking a break to focus on their individual careers. After Geri Halliwell decided to At the time the group were in the middle of their American tour - which they were forced to complete without Halliwell. As Halliwell left, rumours of their split started to gain traction amid reports of infighting among the group. There have been numerous Spice Girl reunions since the group split in 2000. Timeline: 2007 - All five members reunited for The Return of the Spice Girls Tour. Tickets for the first return show in London sold out in 38 seconds as five million people worldwide signed up for the ticket ballot on the Spice Girls website. 2012 – The group performed a medley of Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. 2018 – It's announced that the girl group would reunite again for another tour. However, they are without Victoria Beckham who decided not to participate. The following year, they performed live shows globally – raking in an estimated estimated £4.47m. 2020 - The Sun revealed that the group plan to hit the road again for a massive world tour – without fifth member Victoria Beckham. This was to mark their 25th anniversary, with Geri, Mel B, Mel C, and Emma Bunton all preparing to perform across America, Europe, and Australia - while also making a movie about their exciting year. "I'd assumed it hadn't come to anything because it had been two years, and I'd never heard anything about Touch. But there they were.' With hits like Wannabe and Mama, they were to become the world's biggest girl band, a symbol of female empowerment and an iconic part of music history. But their decade of dominance ended abruptly in 2000 when the band announced their decision to go their separate ways. Since then, Mel, 50, who is separated and still based in Huntingdon, has never forgotten how she could have been the real Posh. 'I could have been a Spice Girl,' said Mel. 'Instead, I'm a mum of two and work in a hospital. 'People are stunned I got to sing with Geri Halliwell and Mel B making it through to the final group. It was an amazing experience.' Mel's career didn't suffer either. 'I got signed to a girl group and we recorded one song," she says. "Then I became a lead vocalist for a cruise line performing in the Caribbean, South America, and the Mediterranean on cruise ships. Mel toured Britain in the 'What A Feeling' stage show as an understudy for the then pop star Sonia. However, Mel feels that the music industry has changed dramatically since her audition. 'The music industry is so different today,' she says. 'The rise of AI technology and factory style bands has changed music forever. 'The Spice Girls auditions offered anyone who showed up the chance to be a star. I loved that. 'Today it's who you know, how much money you have behind you all with a lot of help from auto-tune. 'I perform at weekends at weddings and posh events. My brother Warren Lacchoee, 43 and I are a duo called The Decanters, and we're regularly booked for music festivals, restaurants, and nightclubs. 'Singing is in my DNA. 'I could have made millions, married a football player and ended up with houses all over the world.' Instead, Mel lives in a three bed, semi-detached terraced house, she doesn't regret not being picked and has not given up on performing. 'I have two amazing kids,' she said. 'I travelled all over the world as a singer and dancer. I'm still singing on the weekends. During the week Mel is a hospital operating theatre store manager looking after surgical equipment and supporting staff at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, East Anglia. I was as good as any of the girls. I had a strong voice Mel Coloma In June 2003 Mel's son Elliot, 22, a joinery company staffer was born and in August 2009 she welcomed her own 'sporty spice' daughter, Madison,now 15 who plays for Ipswich Town Football Club and pursuing a professional football career, 'I married and then sadly we divorced,' she says. 'I knew I needed to focus on my children's needs.' But she's always followed The Spice Girls. 'I am thrilled for the Spice Girls and knew when they pursued solo careers what pressures would have made them make that decision,' she adds. 'My kids just roll their eyes when I talk about The Spice Girls. 'I know it could have been me who was picked. The finalists were all evenly matched. 'I was as good as any of the girls. I had a strong voice. "When we left the audition no one knew it would end up being an iconic part of the Spice Girls history. Now history is going to be made again with the 30-year celebration of the group's first single. Mel says: 'I am so proud to have been in the final eight. We were all as good as each other. 'That's real girl power - Viva Forever I say.' 7 Mel is still performing today and says singing is in her DNA Credit: Supplied
