Inside Mel B's relationship with her younger sister Danielle - as Spice Girl's lookalike sibling joins her for her wedding day
Actress Danielle Brown, 44, beamed today as she watched her older sister tie the knot for a third time at St Paul's Cathedral in London - ahead of a lavish £28,000 party at the Shard this evening.
Wearing a light blue minidress with a shawl around her shoulders, Danielle, who has previously starred in Emmerdale, appeared in every way the supportive younger sister.
These days, Mel B and Danielle are the epitome of closeness, going on holiday and appearing on talk shows together - while Danielle was a main character in her hen do to Tunisia last month.
But it's not always been an easy ride for the lookalike siblings, who were previously estranged for 10 years due to a row over Mel's ex-husband.
Mel famously cut her mother, father and sister out of her life in 2008 after they disapproved of her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, from whom she eventually split in 2017.
Back in 2008, Danielle and the sibling's mother Andrea were cut off from Mel and her daughters due to their disapproval of the singer's ex-husband Stephen.
Andrea made no secret of her feelings about Belafonte, who became Mel's husband in 2007 after a secret Las Vegas wedding at the time of the argument.
It was their vow renewal ceremony in Egypt that led to the family feud reaching its peak, where Mel also fell out with her sister Danielle, and her father Martin.
This resulted in the family never meeting her youngest daughter Madison, born in 2011 - a far cry from when Andrea has been allowed to cut the umbilical cord at the birth of Mel's second child Angel, in 2006.
Andrea even revealed in an interview with The Sun that she only learned of the pregnancy and birth via the internet.
'I only found out she was pregnant because of Twitter and I found out on Twitter that she'd had the baby too,' she said.
The family was estranged to the extent that in 2014, when Mel was taken to hospital with a suspected stomach ulcer while a judge on the X Factor, Danielle issued a desperate Twitter plea to Simon Cowell for information.
She wrote: 'This is ridiculous and cruel !!! Evil ! How can NO one tell me and my family where my sister is and what is going on?????'
'Just a simple call to say she gonna be ok is all it takes!!!!,' she wrote.
Then she directly addressed Simon Cowell, writing: '@SimonCowell How can NO one tell me and my family where my sister is and what is going on????? Can you please help? Or who can we contact?'
An X Factor spokesman later put rest to Danielle's worries by confirming that Mel would be returning to the show.
The statement read: 'After being discharged from hospital and following medical advice, Mel has been deemed well enough to do the show. We're delighted to have her back on the panel.'
Mel was married to ex-husband Belafonte for 10 years, with the star claiming their relationship triggered her post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
It was reported in January 2017 that Mel resolved the nine-year feud with her mother, dad and sister by inviting invited them to spend time at her family home in Los Angeles as she realised that 'life was too short' to maintain their argument.
In June 2019, Danielle joined Mel for an appearance on This Morning to discuss their ten-year feud and said 'we finally feel like sisters again'.
Talking about how they became estranged, Mel claimed her marriage was 'emotionally traumatic'. Stephen has always denied any allegations against him.
Sitting alongside her lookalike sibling, she said: 'I was in a 10-year marriage. Not the nicest marriage. I got very isolated from friends and family.
'I was in a coercive and not nice relationship. One of the things happens is you get cut off from friends and family. It was emotionally traumatic.'
The ladies said they used to be inseparable and remained close even when Mel first tied the knot with Stephen in 2007.
Danielle said: 'A lot of the close friends and people who worked for you got pushed to the side. It was done gradually. We were the last ones to go. Me, my mum and dad.'
Melanie said that living in Los Angeles made it harder to remain close to her family, writing that her trips to Leeds got less and less over time.
She said she didn't fight the issue as she had learned to keep quiet to avoid an argument, saying: 'It happened constantly. I always lost.'
Danielle said her friends advised her to simply turn up at Mel's house, but she said it wasn't as simple as that.
She said: 'You know the blankness in her eyes. Her eyes always looked dead because she wasn't that happy.
'We found out her phone number and address, but it would all change. We would get a horrible email back nothing want to do with you. We know it wasn't Melanie replying.'
The Spice Girl said: 'I lost ten years of being with my sister and mum. We lost time with each other's kids.'
Danielle said that despite what has happened, they are now closer because of their experiences.
Mel said: 'Life is getting better and better and better. I don't live a life of a relationship full of lying and embarrassment and shame.'
Stephen has always denied the allegations of abuse against him.
These days, the pair are clearly close and have enjoyed holidays together, for example to the Caribbean island of Nevis in 2019.
Just last month, Mel shared a birthday tribute to her sister, showing them partying the night away together.
Danielle commented: 'Thanks big sis, love ya longtime.'
Danielle was part of Mel B's hen party in Tunisia in June - part of a huge group of friends who all slipped into leopard-print bikinis
On Instagram, she describes herself as a 'mum of three multitasking through life'.
After growing up in Leeds with her lookalike sister, Danielle has also enjoyed a variety of success in the public eye.
She starred in Emmerdale in 1998 as Paulette Lewis and Paradise Heights in 2002, playing Kylie James.
She also was part of Moulin Rouge as a Parisian dancer and plays Tara in the 2018 film Scott and Sid and runs a podcast, Roots & Wings, Raising Teens
In 2019, the siblings proved they had well and truly rekindled their friendship as Mel B bought her sister a sports car for her birthday.
The Spice Girls singer surprised the pregnant actress with the luxury vehicle which she called the 'best present ever', but she then joked it was a complete surprise as she was expecting a 'stripper'.
In 2021, for her birthday, Danielle wrote: 'A big Happy Birthday to my amazing strong shit hot big sister. You have special auntie powers too, never have I seen smiley Myla so still.
In a gushing tribute to her sister, she wrote: 'So there I was yesterday chilling at mums with the family having a little pamper and waiting for mum to finish cooking a yummy roast dinner then Melanie and my daughter Mimi said I need to be blind folded and walk outside.
'I thought she has only gone and got me a bloody stripper or something for a laugh,all kinds of thoughts were running thru my head. But no I've got a bloody car a big family singing and dancing sporty sodding car
'What an amazing surprise !! And such a shock !! I had the biggest Braxton Hicks. Thankyou soooo much @officialmelb for the best birthday present ever at the best ever time!!!!Love you lots and lots and I am very grateful for such a generous and thoughtful huge gift (sic).'
She joked: 'Hope you have a good birthday and just know I will never catch you up in age!'
Today, the Spice Girl, 50, looked gorgeous a pearl-adorned white gown, flashed a radiant smile after becoming the new Mrs McPhee.
The newlyweds appeared blissfully happy and shared a sweet kiss for the gathered crowds as they joined their friends and family in leaving the historic venue after exchanging their vows.
Emma Bunton, the only other Spice Girl in attendance - led the celebrity guests arriving for the wedding as Scary Spice prepared to walk down the aisle for the third time
Scary Spice ditched her famous leopard print and opted for a traditional white wedding at the cathedral which will be followed by a lavish £28,000 post nuptial celebration at The Shard.
Mel's gown featured a sheer illusion design adorned with white pearls and a ruched bodice, with the singer adding a flowing veil to her bridal look.
Meanwhile, groom Rory, 37, opted for traditional Scottish attire complete with a red and green tartan kilt.
Emma Bunton, the only other Spice Girl in attendance - led the celebrity guests in leaving the venue after watching Mel walk down the aisle for the third time.
While fellow spices Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell and Melanie Chisholm were absent on the big day - Emma ensured she was there to support her friend.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
41 minutes ago
- BBC News
Lewis Hamilton gets David Croft a part in F1 movie with Brad Pitt
Racing commentator David Croft has credited racer Lewis Hamilton for getting him a part in the film ahead of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone the broadcaster explained how Hamilton, who like him is from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, insisted he was part of the had wanted to use actors to deliver commentary during racing sequences, but Hamilton had pushed to use Croft and Martin Brundle said: "It was Lewis Hamilton who came up with the idea and I've said to him he could be my agent anytime he wants." At the premiere in New York in June, Croft introduced himself to Brad Pitt - the film's star - who recognised him and told him the two commentators "legitimise everything we do in this movie".At the London premiere on 23 June Croft said he scored "dad points" by introducing his son to the movie star, who did not believe the two knew one laughed: "I said, 'James, this is Brad. Brad, this is James,' and [Pitt] went: "Ah, Crofty Junior, so good to see you, man." During the New York premiere Croft and Hamilton had a moment to discuss their shared hometown of meeting many times, and the broadcaster commentating on Hamilton's races since he won his first F1 title in 2008, the two had never discussed that they were from the same recalled: "Martin and Lewis and I were having a chat and I went... we are so far from Stevenage now."He laughed and chuckled, I said 'did you ever think one day we'd be in Time Square having shut New York down to do a film premiere?' He went: 'No, it's just crazy.'" Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Sonay Kartal: The unlikely heroine flying the flag for Britain
With 14 tattoos, a retro range of baggy Adidas clothes, and a childhood spent around her parents' kebab shop while struggling to afford tennis coaching, the sense that Sonay Kartal's Wimbledon fairy tale could reach far beyond a traditional tennis fanbase is obvious. We also now know that it was almost over before it started, with Kartal revealing ahead of her big Centre Court debut on Sunday how her baby steps in tennis – at the Pavilion & Avenue club in Brighton – became tinged with fear and anxiety. 'We used to do this thing called the lines game, it's a little warm-up,' she said. 'They'd shout, 'service line', and all the kids had to run to the service line. That was always the first game and I was too shy for three months to actually come on court. My coach Julie [Hobbs] finally managed to get me to do it. I tried to run to the outside tramline, tripped over, burst into tears. Off I went, and I didn't come back for a couple of months.' It is a story that plenty of parents and children will relate to, with Hobbs, a former British No 1, eventually coaxing her back to the sport. Fast forward 17 years and you did not need long around a packed Court 16 on Saturday to feel the impact that Kartal is having. Fresh from three brilliant singles wins, she was in doubles action alongside her friend Jodie Burrage in front of a distinctly youthful audience. Kartal, who is now 23 and the last remaining British woman in the singles draw, hopes that her story can particularly inspire girls who are shy about sport. 'My coach has a daughter and she was super shy, got into tennis and has changed like a completely different person,' she said. 'She's got so much more personality, she's so much more talkative.' And is playing sport becoming cooler for girls? 'I think it's changing,' she says. 'I think now a lot of girls are getting more comfortable with having more muscle on their body. I think that's turning, which is obviously incredible. 'I don't think anyone should feel like girls have to look a certain way. I think that's changing in tennis as well. You look at the tennis players, everyone's all different physiques and sizes and heights. So, it's definitely getting more versatile. If I can inspire kids, whether that's boys or girls, then I'm obviously doing something good.' Kartal played football and cricket at a similar level to her tennis until she was 13 and is a self-confessed sports lover. 'I was a little bit of a tomboy and super sporty,' she said. 'I loved football. My school actually used to have a lot of girls football and I used to go to my local park with my dad. In cricket I was always the batter and just launching [the ball] as far as I could.' Saturday's doubles might not have gone to plan – Kartal and Burrage were beaten in straight sets – but her partner could sense the buzz. Kartal had been informed that she would be first up on Centre Court at 1.30pm on Sunday against the Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova just before stepping on court with Burrage. 'Her story shows there's not one way to do what we do – but multiple ways,' said Burrage. 'She has done incredible – and she is going to go a lot higher. For everyone out there, regardless of where you are from, you can do it if you put your mind to it – especially like this chick here. That's the moral of this story.' Kartal's ranking has risen from 864 in 2022 to the world's top 50 – she will overtake Emma Raducanu as the British No 2 once Wimbledon is done and dusted – and Burrage clearly does not think the story will end against Pavlyuchenkova. 'I've got full belief,' she said. There certainly seems little chance of the attention going to Kartal's head. She was six when she made that first trip to a tennis club following an invitation from a tennis official who had eaten at one of her father's two Turkish restaurants. And, while she was competitive against players like Emma Raducana through the British junior rankings, has largely progressed in senior tennis away from the limelight. Kartal's social media remains largely fixated with animals or food and, perhaps most telling of all, she has resisted inevitable pressure to change a coaching team that, as well as Hobbs, also still includes Ben and Martin Reeves from her original club in Brighton. 'I was hearing people saying, you know, 'Do you think you should get a coach that has already done that?' But I didn't want that. If I can have a coach that can take me from a six-year-old to the WTA Tour, I think that's obviously good enough. We just learned together. It's kind of doing this crazy thing together. Kartal did find herself being recognised during a 'tricky' trip to the shops near Wimbledon on Friday night and her phone has been flooded with suggestions for her next tattoo. They have included one of Centre Court itself, a vintage polo shirt in recognition of her distinctive Adidas playing top and, from Burrage, an image of fire and ice. 'I actually like that,' she said. She has, until now, remained a member of the same no-thrills High Street gym in Brighton, although wonders if she may now have to review that arrangement. 'It was getting a bit tricky prior [to Wimbledon]. But to be honest they were actually pretty respectful there [at the gym]. They would just say hello and then just let me get on with it. So maybe I'll have to test that when I'm back. I go to the gym and just kind of have a bit of 'me time', stick my headphones in and just forget about the world. 'People think I don't like [being in the spotlight], because I have gone under the radar my whole life but I don't have an issue with being in the spotlight or not being in the spotlight. I'll take it as a compliment.'
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Marjorie's, London W1: ‘Original, and truly, madly good' – restaurant review
Some new openings just sound unappetising on paper. Take the cave à manger Marjorie's in Soho, a brand new, Parisian-inspired wine bar serving small plates in London W1. 'Oh God,' I said on learning that its proprietors are Michael Searle and Josh Anderson. 'Never heard of 'em.' Sorry to quibble, especially seeing as this seems to be their first hospitality venture, and I am well aware that eating out for a living is a huge jolly, but eating in wine bars? Well, I am not a fan: too noisy, too boisterous, too give-me-my-bloody-dinner generally – not to mention too many drunken elbows in your toastie de fromage while a sommelier bores on about beaujolais nouveau. Also, Marjorie's is alarmingly close to Carnaby Street, the natural habitat of the disappointed diner. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. So I set off down Foubert's Place, muttering to myself that at least I'm not heading for the nearby Kingly Court food hub that brims with dining options, each of them more impersonal and oversubscribed than the next. Back in the noughties, Carnaby Street still gave a slight nod to its Swinging Sixties roots, with a few remaining independent shops selling goth gear, pantaloons and bongs. Today, however, it is a shiny row of sleek international flagship stores, with the wondrous, olde worlde Liberty at one end, clinging on for dear life, the poor love, before she is inevitably turned into a Lululemon. Anyway, it turns out that it is for all these reasons that we should actually be grateful for Marjorie's, because, yet again and with no fear of this letting up any time soon, it also turns out that I am an absolute idiot. Marjorie's may look like a wine bar, but Searle and Anderson have opened something tiny, brave, bespoke and appealingly odd. Oh, and delicious, too, because the duo have tempted Giacomo Peretti, formerly of Le Gavroche, to cook for them. He has also worked at the crowdpleaser Temper, the wholly underrated Firebird and the dependably brilliant the Culpeper, and if you head down to the basement, where there are more tables, you'll be able to watch him weave his magic. Snaring Peretti to do wine bar snacks and letting his imagination fly is a stroke of genius, because now you have a brilliant chef serving gooey chicken liver 'rocher' – think rich, nutty, nibblable savoury Ferrero Rocher – pretty little yummy crab tartelettes made all the merrier by the addition of kumquat and a delicate and rather bizarre lamb tartare dotted with spring vegetables, goat's cheese and a tiny fresh strawberry. Surprise! This is actually, and quite unexpectedly, a restaurant with serious food; in fact, it might well be the most earnest, accomplished, imaginative food being served in this square mile right now. Yes, you could play safe, grab a space at the long bar upstairs, order from the exclusively French wine list and feast only on a selection of La Fromagerie cheese and rustic pain served with a shedload of salted French butter, perhaps with some saucisson with cornichons on the side. But don't do that: Peretti's larger and admittedly stranger-sounding dishes are well worth the risk. There's a bowl of escargots with seaweed in a silky pinewood cream and a soft, delicate salad of good, mixed green leaves with a sweet, citrussy, orange blossom vinaigrette. Original, perhaps offputting to some, but truly, madly good. Two other standouts were a stinky, slightly warm piece of runny brie de Meaux served with lush fresh apricot – outstanding – and some proper French soul food: poached chicken on white rice made decadent with brown butter. This was a rhapsody of classy, beige carbs, and I scraped at the bowl like a sad labrador released from her kibble diet. Slices of tempura courgette, almost like cigars to look at, came dotted with trout roe and rouille, and were equally weird and wonderful. The dessert list offered a millefeuille with crème diplomate and strawberries, but my eyes had already been greedily drawn to a warm, frothy, olive oil-strewn bowl of fresh chocolate mousse topped with crunchy hazelnuts. Again, this was just heavenly. As a non-drinker, I spend little time in wine bars these days – after all, as the old saying goes: 'If you stay in the barber's long enough, you'll probably end up with a haircut' – but for Marjorie's I'm making an exception. Service is prompt, the menu intriguing and there's a sense that you're in on a secret that no one else knows about. Go for the vin, the gossip, a bowl of nocellara olives and some great baguette; stay for a dinner that's currently one of the best in London. It's really worth going to Carnaby Street for. Courage, mes braves! Marjorie's 26 Foubert's Place, London W1; (no phone). Open all week, noon-11.30pm (Fri & Sat midnight, Sun 10pm. From about £40 a head, plus drinks and service
