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The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
My tense meeting with Geri Halliwell explains the REAL reason why she snubbed Mel B's wedding – and cut ties for good
IT was supposed to be the happiest day of Mel B's life – instead, there was a bitter taste in her mouth, impossible to ignore: the absence of Geri Halliwell at her wedding. Many were shocked that Geri would snub her friend of over 30 years, but after spending a day with her, I wasn't surprised at all. This is trademark Halliwell behaviour. 7 Mel B tied the knot with Rory McPhee over the weekend Credit: PA 7 A second ceremony will be another chance for Mel's Spice Girls pals to attend Credit: Instagram 7 Geri didn't attend the wedding and didn't congratulate the happy couple either on social media Credit: Getty Never mind Madonna, Geri is the Queen of Reinvention. She changes her image, compartmentalises, and moves on from everything that no longer fits. Now she appears to have cast Mel B aside, like her legendary Brit Awards Union Jack dress that has no place in her new, Not attending the ceremony would have been understandable, these are busy people, with packed schedules, but unlike the other Spice Girls who didn't attend, It's clear that this rift has been massively underestimated, and runs deeper than anyone ever imagined. As a massive Ginger Spice fan, I was so excited to meet I assumed we'd get on like a house on fire, and couldn't wait to be in the presence of her famously loud, feisty, energetic personality. The Geri I spent time with bore absolutely no resemblance to the woman who'd starred as Trixie Firecracker in the Say You'll Be There video. This was New Improved Spiritual Yoga Geri, quiet, tiny and guarded. Her loyal Shih Tzu dog Harry was by her side as always, back then he was almost as well known as she was, but as I made a fuss of him she watched at a distance, with a weak smile that didn't reach her eyes. She was promoting second autobiography Just For The Record but answered questions about it monosyllabically. Mel B stuns in white gown at star-studded St Paul's Cathedral wedding She was dating Damian Warner, who she'd met at the Cottonwood rehabilitation clinic in Arizona while being treated for bulimia, but didn't want to talk about him. The one thing I never imagined when considering the prospect of hanging out with famously mouthy, opinionated Geri Halliwell was struggling to make conversation. Now I see that this was Geri very clearly moving on from her previous persona, just like she is doing now, by severing ties with Not for her half measures, swerving the event but wishing her former bandmate well on Instagram, as Mel C and It's hard to imagine her going to Even though ghosting it would surely be the final nail in the coffin of her relationship with Mel B. The other three Spice Girls being so open about their joy for Mel only makes Geri's silence more deafening by comparison. The added layer is that after the relationship turmoil and heartache Mel endured with previous partners, like abusive 7 Emma Bunton was the only Spice Girl to attend Mel B's big day Credit: Splash 7 Ginger and Scary were always the gobbiest of the girls back in the day, but this latest slap in the face proves their beef runs deeper than anyone ever imagined Credit: Getty But it's undeniable that the bride's filter-free approach to life doesn't gel with the all new Geri Halliwell – Mrs Christian Horner, quintessential countryside Lady Of The Manor and author. Mel and Geri's volatile relationship never truly recovered from Mel Ginger reportedly snapped (sorry), with her spokesperson stating that Mel's claim was 'simply not true' and 'very hurtful' to Geri's family. Her husband Christian Horner was said to be 'mortified' by the claims, for which Mel has apparently never apologised. And despite all five Spice Girls reuniting for what looked like a fun-filled sing-song at Posh's 50th last April, a source told The Sun that behind the scenes, things between Mel and Geri were decidedly frosty. MAKE THINGS RIGHT Four months later, Mel is unlikely to have endeared herself to her old sparring partner any further when she posted 'Happy 75th bday Ginge'… on her 52nd birthday. Tellingly, there was no sign of Geri at Mel's 50th last month, either. Now it seems that the writing is well and truly on the wall for Mel and Geri's friendship, and for the artist formerly known as Ginger Spice to boot. The saddest part of this for fans – apart from learning it's not true that friendship never ends – is that a Spice reunion seems more unlikely than ever. Geri's insistence to move forward with her new life path, never even glancing back, could end up costing all five girls millions. But even worse, it seems to indicate that Ginger Spice has left the building. This time, for good. 7 The newly married couple's second ceremony will be 'more informal, sexy and beautiful' Credit: Getty 7 This showbiz rift has been massively underestimated Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
My tense meeting with Geri Halliwell explains the REAL reason why she snubbed Mel B's wedding – and cut ties for good
It's now clear that the Spice Girls reunion could be in jeopardy... for one undeniable reason STOP RIGHT NOW My tense meeting with Geri Halliwell explains the REAL reason why she snubbed Mel B's wedding – and cut ties for good Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT was supposed to be the happiest day of Mel B's life – instead, there was a bitter taste in her mouth, impossible to ignore: the absence of Geri Halliwell at her wedding. Many were shocked that Geri would snub her friend of over 30 years, but after spending a day with her, I wasn't surprised at all. This is trademark Halliwell behaviour. 7 Mel B tied the knot with Rory McPhee over the weekend Credit: PA 7 A second ceremony will be another chance for Mel's Spice Girls pals to attend Credit: Instagram 7 Geri didn't attend the wedding and didn't congratulate the happy couple either on social media Credit: Getty Never mind Madonna, Geri is the Queen of Reinvention. She changes her image, compartmentalises, and moves on from everything that no longer fits. Now she appears to have cast Mel B aside, like her legendary Brit Awards Union Jack dress that has no place in her new, all white wardrobe. Not attending the ceremony would have been understandable, these are busy people, with packed schedules, but unlike the other Spice Girls who didn't attend, Geri dealt Mel a harsh blow, unthinkable in these modern, online times - a social media snub which spoke volumes about the current state of their fractured friendship. It's clear that this rift has been massively underestimated, and runs deeper than anyone ever imagined. As a massive Ginger Spice fan, I was so excited to meet Geri in 2002, four years after she'd left the all conquering girl-band. I assumed we'd get on like a house on fire, and couldn't wait to be in the presence of her famously loud, feisty, energetic personality. The Geri I spent time with bore absolutely no resemblance to the woman who'd starred as Trixie Firecracker in the Say You'll Be There video. This was New Improved Spiritual Yoga Geri, quiet, tiny and guarded. Her loyal Shih Tzu dog Harry was by her side as always, back then he was almost as well known as she was, but as I made a fuss of him she watched at a distance, with a weak smile that didn't reach her eyes. She was promoting second autobiography Just For The Record but answered questions about it monosyllabically. Mel B stuns in white gown at star-studded St Paul's Cathedral wedding She was dating Damian Warner, who she'd met at the Cottonwood rehabilitation clinic in Arizona while being treated for bulimia, but didn't want to talk about him. The one thing I never imagined when considering the prospect of hanging out with famously mouthy, opinionated Geri Halliwell was struggling to make conversation. Now I see that this was Geri very clearly moving on from her previous persona, just like she is doing now, by severing ties with Mel B. Not for her half measures, swerving the event but wishing her former bandmate well on Instagram, as Mel C and Victoria Beckham did. For Geri, only a clean break will do. It's hard to imagine her going to the second 'more informal, sexy' wedding ceremony Mel and new husband Rory McPhee are planning abroad either, which Mel C and Emma are thought to be attending. Even though ghosting it would surely be the final nail in the coffin of her relationship with Mel B. The other three Spice Girls being so open about their joy for Mel only makes Geri's silence more deafening by comparison. The added layer is that after the relationship turmoil and heartache Mel endured with previous partners, like abusive Stephen Belafonte, and Eddie Murphy, who publicly contested paternity of their child, Angel, this marriage is very much seen as Mel's happy ending. 7 Emma Bunton was the only Spice Girl to attend Mel B's big day Credit: Splash 7 Ginger and Scary were always the gobbiest of the girls back in the day, but this latest slap in the face proves their beef runs deeper than anyone ever imagined Credit: Getty But it's undeniable that the bride's filter-free approach to life doesn't gel with the all new Geri Halliwell – Mrs Christian Horner, quintessential countryside Lady Of The Manor and author. Mel and Geri's volatile relationship never truly recovered from Mel revealing they had slept together, while being interviewed on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2019. Ginger reportedly snapped (sorry), with her spokesperson stating that Mel's claim was 'simply not true' and 'very hurtful' to Geri's family. Her husband Christian Horner was said to be 'mortified' by the claims, for which Mel has apparently never apologised. And despite all five Spice Girls reuniting for what looked like a fun-filled sing-song at Posh's 50th last April, a source told The Sun that behind the scenes, things between Mel and Geri were decidedly frosty. MAKE THINGS RIGHT Four months later, Mel is unlikely to have endeared herself to her old sparring partner any further when she posted 'Happy 75th bday Ginge'… on her 52nd birthday. Tellingly, there was no sign of Geri at Mel's 50th last month, either. Now it seems that the writing is well and truly on the wall for Mel and Geri's friendship, and for the artist formerly known as Ginger Spice to boot. The saddest part of this for fans – apart from learning it's not true that friendship never ends – is that a Spice reunion seems more unlikely than ever. Geri's insistence to move forward with her new life path, never even glancing back, could end up costing all five girls millions. But even worse, it seems to indicate that Ginger Spice has left the building. This time, for good. 7 The newly married couple's second ceremony will be 'more informal, sexy and beautiful' Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Writer of huge Spice Girls song admits most difficult part of working with band
EXCLUSIVE: An award-winning songwriter who has worked with the likes of Gary Barlow, Boyzone, Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin has admitted 'nothing compares' to the Spice Girls Spice Girls fever was at its peak in the nineties, and there was one person right in the middle of it all. Step forward songwriter Elliot Kennedy. The writer who is best pals with Gary Barlow and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Celine Dion, was on hand when the iconic girl group took the world by storm. The co-writer of their hit tune Say You'll Be There from their debut album, Spice, has admitted there was one thing he sometimes struggled with with the group - containing them. However, he admitted this wasn't a bad thing and simply showed the true personality of a band destined for success. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Elliot said "nothing compares" to the Spice Girls, made up of Melanie B, Victoria Beckham, Melanie C, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell. "They literally crashed at my house," Elliot said. "This was before they had a manager and they were transitioning from the guy that put them together, who was obviously a visionary in his own right, and then we helped connect him to Simon Fuller. "But they were amazing and fantastic girls. Their energy was off the scale and the most difficult thing was containing the energy because they were a million miles an hour. "They had so many ideas that, for a songwriter, was just fantastic. I have nothing but amazing memories from working with them. As I say, they crashed at my house and we just became like family and it's lovely that they went out and changed the world. Being a part of that wave was remarkable and life changing and life affirming in all kinds of ways. "They were just fantastic people and still are and I have a great deal of respect for them all. They worked really bloody hard and deserved everything they got. It was charming and funny and crazy and it was brilliant to be a part of it." Elliot also opened up on his tight connection with Gary Barlow, with the pair currently working on theatrical shows. He said: "We speak every day and we work together all the time. He's my closest friend and collaborator and we're still doing it, you know? We're still cracking on and having a laugh and we're best of friends first and foremost." Elliot admitted the duo have a very similar way of thinking. But he also confessed that there's more to Gary than meets the eye, saying he's simply "just a big, regular guy". "He's a great dad and a solid husband. And he's a really great friend outside of music and everything else," he gushed. Elliot also revealed that Robbie Williams was also supposed to sing the Relight My Fire vocals but claimed the producer got the key wrong, leading to Gary singing it. And he says it was this that then led to him co-writing Everything Changes for the boys, to be sang by Robbie, which went to number one on the writer's 25th birthday, fulfiling his own dream. After reminiscing, Elliot also praised exciting rising band Apollo Junction after they approached him for their latest tune titled Entangled. The Yorkshire-based band who have also had a hit with Beautiful South singer Briana Corrigan wrote the song with the award-winning hitmaker and Elliot praised them for what he called was a "clever move". "Apollo Junction is a perfect example of how random my life goes," he admitted. "I'm working on records with The Overtones, or Alfie Boe, or whatever and writing musicals and then completely out of the left field, Jamie from the band contacts me. "I knew who they were because they're only from down the road but seldom do I do this. But for whatever reason, I thought I should give this a go." He explained the instant connection he go after meeting them and said: "What I thought was really quite clever was when they said to me that the last time they came off the Isle of Wight stage they realised they needed their songs to be better. 'We need a signature' they said. "And I just said, you know what, a lot of bands don't work that out." He revealed how he is proud of being a songwriter who can help others get that unique sound, explaining his eclectic range of stars he has worked with, which also includes Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin and Boyzone. "But for a band who write their own material and suddenly realise they need the skills of someone who does this for a living, it was really a clever move, a really adept move, I thought." Apollo Junction's latest album is set to be released on August 22, with Elliot also releasing a number of other exciting tunes as well as his stage play.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Two Spice Girls set to snub Mel B's 50th birthday celebrations tonight days after reunion announcement
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEL B's big 50th birthday bash in Leeds tonight is set to be a glitzy affair. But The Sun can reveal TWO of her Spice Girls bandmates are giving it a miss. 6 Mel B is celebrating her milestone birthday in Leeds tonight Credit: Getty 6 Geri and Mel used to be very close but have kept their distance in recent years Credit: Splash News 6 Geri Horner is snubbing Mel B's birthday bash Credit: Getty 6 Victoria Beckham is out of town for work Credit: Getty Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner will be skipping the bash. Posh is out of town for work, but Geri has turned down the invitation. An insider spilled: '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. "It's a bit awkward given the reunion excitement." The Sun has contacted their reps for comment. The snub comes just days after we revealed plans for the group to reunite as Avatars, following in the footsteps of pop legends Abba. It would see holograms of Geri, Mels B and C, Emma Bunton and Victoria playing their biggest hits. Victoria, who was not part of their 2019 tour, was said to have suggested she would agree if the others did. A source added: 'Their former manager Simon Fuller is desperate to have one last hurrah with the Spice Girls and this is his latest idea. Mel B drops biggest clue yet that Spice Girls are reuniting with cryptic comment on Instagram "He was the person who came up with the original idea for Abba and their digital show and he thinks this model could work perfectly for the group. Mel B is due to marry Rory McPhee, 38, later this year. It comes as Geri and Mel suffered a "frosty reunion" at Victoria's birthday last year. Geri and Mel are said to have kept their distance at Oswald's private members' club in Mayfair at the star-studded bash. A source said of the stars, who had a second No1 in 1996 with Say You'll Be There: 'Mel tried to smooth things over with Geri at the party but it didn't go as planned. "She was laughing it all off but Geri didn't seem interested in hearing what she had to say and wandered off. 'When it came to taking their group picture, Geri kept as far away from Mel as possible which was awkward to watch." Any awkwardness between the group, who split in 2000, seemed to be forgotten by the time they hit the dancefloor — where they performed their 1997 hit Stop. Onlookers told The Sun the five also sat down at a table together and talked during the evening. 6 Geri Horner and Mel B had a frosty reunion at Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday bash last year
The Irish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Two Spice Girls set to snub Mel B's 50th birthday celebrations tonight days after reunion announcement
MEL B's big 50th birthday bash in Leeds tonight is set to be a glitzy affair. But The Sun can reveal TWO of her Spice Girls bandmates are giving it a miss. 6 Mel B is celebrating her milestone birthday in Leeds tonight Credit: Getty 6 Geri and Mel used to be very close but have kept their distance in recent years Credit: Splash News 6 Geri Horner is snubbing Mel B's birthday bash Credit: Getty 6 Victoria Beckham is out of town for work Credit: Getty Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner will be skipping the bash. Posh is out of town for work, but Geri has turned down the invitation. An insider spilled: '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. READ MORE ON SPICE GIRLS "It's a bit awkward given the reunion excitement." The Sun has contacted their reps for comment. The snub comes just days after we revealed plans for the group to reunite as Avatars, following in the footsteps of pop legends Abba. It would see holograms of Geri, Mels B and C, Emma Bunton and Victoria playing their biggest hits. Most read in Celebrity Victoria, who was not part of their 2019 tour, was said to have suggested she would agree if the others did. A source added: 'Their former manager Simon Fuller is desperate to have one last hurrah with the Spice Girls and this is his latest idea. Mel B drops biggest clue yet that Spice Girls are reuniting with cryptic comment on Instagram "He was the person who came up with the original idea for Abba and their digital show and he thinks this model could work perfectly for the group. Mel B is due to marry It comes as Geri and Mel are said to have kept their distance at Oswald's private members' club in Mayfair at the star-studded bash. A source said of the stars, who had a second No1 in 1996 with Say You'll Be There: 'Mel tried to smooth things over with Geri at "She was laughing it all off but Geri didn't seem interested in hearing what she had to say and wandered off. 'When it came to taking their group picture, Geri kept as far away from Mel as possible which was awkward to watch." Any awkwardness between the group, who split in 2000, seemed to be forgotten by the time they hit the dancefloor — where they performed their 1997 hit Stop. Onlookers told The Sun the five also sat down at a table together and talked during the evening. 6 Geri Horner and Mel B had a frosty reunion at Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday bash last year 6 The group pictured back in the day Credit: Getty
