Girl Power or Women's Institute?
Following months of speculation, the Spice Girls have announced a comeback tour. But are Sporty, Baby, Ginger, Posh and Scary still the envoys of girl power?
A lot has happened in the years since the girls last spiced up the charts. There have been marriages, babies, bust-ups, breakdowns and body battles to contend with.
And as Spice mania threatens to grip us once again, we chart the journeys, sometimes on rocky ground, of the five girls from wannabes to solo stars and, finally, comeback queens.
Melanie B
Wannabe: Melanie Brown earned the nickname Scary for her shock of wild hair and animal print outfits. The Leeds lass was loud, outspoken and didn't suffer fools. Along with Geri, Melanie embodied the philosophy that was Girl Power.
Spice up your life: After a successful duet with Missy Elliott, her solo efforts plummeted and the star relocated to L.A. to concentrate on an acting career. A brief flirtation with lesbianism in 2003 had the tabloids in a frenzy but Mel refused to comment. Now she has won her paternity battle with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, proving he is the father of baby Angel Iris, Mel will be hoping to hit the headlines for the right reasons.
Two become one: Mel's most recent relationship, with Murphy, seemed like true love but ended up just as fiery as all her others. The pair were due to get married but ended up splitting and squabbling over two-month-old Angel Iris. Her relationship with Spice Girls backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar was a hot and steamy one that resulted in the birth of her first daughter, Phoenix Chi. The pair later married but the passion they shared on tour turned into a bitter divorce battle and a war of words. Mel famously nicknamed her husband Jimmy Goldcard, claiming that he had leeched off her during their relationship. Equally, Jimmy was keen to expose their sex life in the tabloids and painted the singer as sex mad. Mel, 32, has also dated a string of actors and singers including Max Beesley.
Who do you think you are? 'I live my life on self-belief and I live it partly on going with the flow.'
Girl Power rating: Still fiercely independent - 5/5.
Melanie C
Wannabe: Melanie Chisolm was renowned for her tracksuits, trainers and back flips and this earned her the title Sporty. The Liverpudlian was arguably the best singer in the band.
Spice up your life: Mel has been through the mill to say the least having suffered from depression, had to put up with rumours of lesbianism and seen her solo career fall flat. When the Spice girls ended, Mel initially enjoyed the most success as a solo artist but the good times didn't last and things got worse as she revealed she was suffering from depression. She also spoke of problems with an eating disorder but she is thought to be back on track now with plans for a new album in the pipeline.
Two become one: Mel, 33, has dated the likes of Robbie Williams and Red Hot Chilli Pepper Anthony Kiedis. She is currently in a stable relationship with Thomas Starr, the director of a Hertfordshire construction firm. Mel is the only Spice Girl who has not become a mother.
Who do you think you are? 'I just feel, in life, I'm searching for something I can rely on, something that's constant and something that's going to guide me through.'
Girl Power rating: Prefers to stay in the background - 2/5.
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