Latest news with #SpiceUpYourLife
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Mel B's chequered love life as she gets hitched for third time
Spice Girl star, Melanie Brown, is getting married today to hairstylist, Rory McPhee, at St Paul's Cathedral in London following their three-year engagement Scary Spice star, Mel B, is tying the knot today - despite swearing she'd never get married again. Since shooting to stratospheric fame with the Spice Girls, Mel, 49, has had a chequered love life, including two failed marriages and a bitter break-up with Hollywood A-lister, Eddie Murphy, who the singer shares daughter Angel Iris, 18, with. Today, the mum-of-three is walking down the aisle at St Paul's cathedral in London with hairstylist, Rory McPhee, and celebrate at The Shard afterwards in a bash said to have cost £28,000. A whole host of stars will be in attendance - apart from apart from Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner-Halliwel and Geri Horner-Halliwell - as Mel's pals wish the couple the best for the future. The Spice Up Your Life star, who not so long go insisted "I'm fine by myself", is certainly due some luck in love as we look back at her rocky romances, starting with Dutch dancer, Jimmy Gulzar... READ MORE: Inside Mel B and Victoria Beckham feud as Posh Spice swerves Scary's wedding Jimmy Gulzar Mel first tied the knot with Dutch dancer Jimmy Gulzar in 1998, donning a flamboyant Vegas showgirl feathered headdress and a white-and-gold frock. The couple met when Jimmy was strutting around on stage as a back-up dancer for the Spice Girls during the Spiceworld tour in 1998. They married a short time later and welcomed daughter Phoenix, now 26, together. However, their relationship wasn't to last and they split in 2000, citing irreconcilable differences in the divorce courts. Speaking to the Mirror after the breakup, Mel said: "My friends did try and warn me not to take things so fast, and in hindsight it's easy to see I made a mistake. "Marrying someone I'd only just met on tour was not the smartest thing I've ever done. When the relationship broke down it was a complete nightmare. We both really wanted to be a proper happy family but it seemed destined not to work."There was a lot of pain and even with my friends and family around me I often felt isolated and alone. But you have to find the inner strength to carry on. Somehow I did it but it nearly killed me."She added: "What I'm basically saying is that he didn't love me and to be honest I now don't give a s*** any more. It's a sad situation but that's the reality." However, talking to The Sun, Jimmy said: "I always think about Goliath facing David – that story is pretty much how I have always felt." Mel B later won custody over Phoenix Chi, however Jimmy followed them to the US to be close to his daughter. Eddie Murphy Mel B and Eddie Murphy shocked the world when they began dating in 2006, but after a whirlwind nine-month relationship, the pair parted ways. They then ended up in a bitter paternity battle after the Hollywood actor refused to believe daughter, Angel Iris, now 18, was his child. Following DNA testing, it was confirmed that Angel was his daughter and since then, the former lovers have remained amicable as they co-parent their child. Mel revealed it was her who chose to end the relationship and walk away from the actor. Writing in her memoir, Brutally Honest, she said: "You know, he's Eddie Murphy. And I'm like, 'Well, I'm Mel B! "If something doesn't feel right, if it isn't equal, then what's the point? Yes, Eddie Murphy's a massive star. In my eyes — Spice Girls — so am I. I have my own house, my own car, my own credit card. I don't need to fall in line and be Pretty Woman, because I have my own life. "He almost wanted to just go like that. But I have a career. I'm not just going to give that up for love... to be a housewife." She continued: "But that wasn't my path. It probably didn't make sense to anybody at that time — why I would leave a relationship so full of love and giving, and almost nurturing. "But I'm a strong independent woman, and it wasn't coming together as equal as I wanted." Stephen Belafonte In 2007, Mel married US film producer, Stephen Belafonte, in a Las Vegas ceremony and renewed their vows in Egypt a year later. The former America's Got Talent judge met her husband on the set of film Talk, and they were friends for years before embarking on a romantic relationship. The pair tied the knot after just four months of dating, and Stephen – who also has a daughter, Giselle, from a previous relationship – insisted that he had "never connected" with someone the way that he did with Mel, and that knowing her as a friend beforehand had made the dating process easier. However, after welcoming their daughter Madison into the world, the couple separated in 2016 amid accusations of emotional and physical abuse from Mel, which Stephen denies. Last year, he announced he was suing Mel for defamation over claims she made about him being abusive and controlling during their time together, which she detailed in interviews and her autobiography, Brutally Honest. On his £3.9m libel suit in Florida, he said: 'I am ready to prove Melanie's statements about me are false.' Stephen added that authorities investigated the claims and no charges were brought. Mel's legal team asked for the case to be thrown out last year. In their filing to have the case dismissed, Mel's lawyers said: 'Brown should have never been dragged through the courts because of an exercise of [her] constitutional rights.' But this was denied in October. Rory McPhee After years of heartache, Mel says she has finally found her happily ever after with fiancé Rory McPhee, who she has known for years and who is the best friend of her cousin. As she gets set to wed today, she conceded she'd ever walk down the aisle again, insisting she was 'fine by herself'. Speaking to People magazine, she said: "I was like, 'I'm never going to get married again. Never, never, never. I'm never having a relationship. I'm fine by myself. I want to raise my kids, put my head down and work, and that's it. And then… never can say never, can you?' Affirming she still believed in love, Mel continued: 'I believe in love, and clearly the other two marriages turned out to be not love, from their angle. So I feel like I've really missed out, and now I've got this opportunity to be properly in love with a really good guy who I know loves me for me."
Glasgow Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Enjoy 90s Spice Girls-themed fun at Ayrshire's Fenwick Hotel tonight
Nostalgia and girl power take centre stage this evening (Friday) as fabulous Fenwick Hotel in Ayrshire turns back the clock for a Spice Girls-themed Boozy Boogie Night. The event promises to be a glittering evening of 90s throwbacks, cocktails and dancefloor fun. Following the roaring success of their sold-out Boozy Brunch and a slew of five-star reviews, the award-winning hotel is once again turning up the volume with a one-night-only celebration of pop royalty and retro vibes. Kicking off at 6pm on Friday, 4th July, the event invites guests to relive the magic of the decade that brought us crop tops, platform trainers, and five iconic Spice Girls. A live DJ will be spinning Spice Girls anthems and other classic 90s tracks, offering wall-to-wall tunes designed to get everyone moving. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just craving a throwback, the playlist promises something for everyone. The drinks menu is also getting a 90s makeover with themed cocktails inspired by the fab five. Expect 'Spice Up Your Life' margaritas, 'Wannabe' spritzers, and a selection of other cheeky concoctions sure to bring a sparkle to your evening. For those looking to truly embrace the era, a glitter bar will be on hand for a touch of sparkle, with photo ops dotted throughout the venue to capture those iconic poses. Attendees are encouraged to dress the part, with prizes on offer for the best 90s looks – whether you're channelling Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger or Posh. 'This is all about bringing people together for a night of fun, friendship and full-on 90s fever,' said a spokesperson for the hotel. With high energy, themed drinks, and a heavy dose of nostalgia, The Fenwick Hotel's Boozy Boogie: Spice Girls Edition is set to zig-a-zig-ah its way into the hearts of guests for one unforgettable night. For more details, click here
Metro
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Mel B's huge 50th birthday celebrations incomplete without two Spice Girls
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Mel B officially turned 50 over the weekend, and celebrated in style with former Spice Girls bandmates, Mel C and Emma Bunton. But while Wannabe hitmakers all danced away to their hits at Victoria Beckham's 50th bash last year, the fashion designer and fellow bandmate Geri Halliwell-Horner were nowhere to be seen at Mel B's celebrations. Mel B – full name Melanie Brown – had a heavily Spice Girls nostalgia-fuelled theme, as all attendees wore leopard print in a nod to her Scary Spice garms of the 90s and 00s. Some were surprised that not all of the band were in attendance, especially after rumour has it they are planning a big Abba Voyage-esque 30-year anniversary reunion tour in 2026. 'Friendship never ends love seeing the Mel's & Emma together….such a shame the other two … Nevertheless it looked like everyone had a Spice-tular time,' wrote fan suzy_29 on her Instagram post, showing her pumping up the dance floor with Mel C and Emma. Mel B also soundtracked the video, which saw her rolling around on the floor with friends, and rocking out in a fabulous shoulder-padded minidress, with the Spice Girls' hit Spice Up Your Life. 'Where's Geri and Victoria?' asked coffeplanet_cf, as andrewmanq wondered the same. An insider has claimed to The Sun: Mel's throwing a huge party in Leeds for her 50th. It's also her fiance's birthday today so it's a joint celebration and will be a real family affair. 'But Geri and Posh can't make it. Posh had a work commitment she couldn't get out of.' This comes days after the outlet reported Victoria – who swerved the 2019 Spice Girls tour – has given the digital avatar tour the green light. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Scoring nine number ones between 1996 and 2000 (including six number ones in a row), the Spice Girls became one of the biggest selling pop acts of all time. More Trending Geri – aka Ginger Spice – left the group in 1998 before the group's eventual split two years later, and the last time the quintlet all performed together was at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. In March, Geri teased to The Sunday Times that 'there will be something' coming for the group. 'We love each other. I love them, I care about them, and we want the best for each other. We shared something so monumental. We've always believed in each other, had trust in each other, which is beautiful,' she said. 'My hope is we come back together as a collective. It's more respectful to come as one, so we'll come as one,' she said, adding that the five of them do have a WhatsApp group chat. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Nicola Peltz 'in tears' over Victoria Beckham moment at her lavish wedding MORE: Cruz Beckham shares cryptic message about 'telling the truth' as family feud intensifies MORE: Victoria Beckham warns there will be 'tears' in new tell-all Netflix series
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish 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
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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. '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 reunite for the 30th anniversary of their debut single Wannabe next year,' she says. '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 Melanie Chisholm better known as Sporty Spice broke her silence on the upcoming Spice Girls reunion tour, revealing that one member still 'needs more convincing' to take to the stage. 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 Dreamgirls ballad 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' before passing the mike to the next person,' she explains. '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 quit the group in 1998, the Spice Girls were never the same. 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.'
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
