If you wish to become their partners, you must befriend their companions.
For nearly three decades, the Spice Girls—Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham—have epitomized girl power, consistently emphasizing the significance of sisterhood. Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding the potential reunion of the girl group, their message that “friendship never ends” remains poignant. Alongside their commitment to friendship, the singers have also embraced love in various forms throughout their lives.
From long-standing marital relationships to romantic partnerships and self-love journeys, here is a comprehensive overview of the Spice Girls’ real-life romances.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham’s love saga is a timeless tale. Posh Spice, aged 49, encountered her spouse, David Beckham, aged 48, in 1997 at a Manchester United football match. Although the football icon initially feared he had missed his chance with the Spice Girls vocalist, he seized a second opportunity when she reappeared at another match a week later.
“We conversed for nearly an hour in the players’ lounge, and afterward, she took the train up that day,” David recounted in 2020. “She scribbled her number on a train ticket, which I still possess.”
David was not the only one swiftly smitten. In a letter addressed to her younger self, Victoria reminisced, “While the other footballers congregated at the bar socializing with their friends, you would spot David standing on the sidelines with his family… And his smile was so endearing. Like you, he values his family, and you will notice how much you have in common.”
Their love story blossomed rapidly. The couple became engaged in January 1998 and exchanged vows in July 1999. Nearly 25 years and four children—Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12—later, their affection remains unwavering.
“I admire a resilient woman, and I appreciate her diligent work ethic. I admire her dedication as a fantastic mother,” David expressed recently. “I value the care she shows me, most of the time, and together, we have nurtured a life with four remarkable children, who are our top priority. That is why I chose Victoria… for her role in managing our family.”
Mel B.
Melanie Brown, also known as Scary Spice, is embracing a second chance at love. She found her happily ever after with her longtime friend-turned-fiancé, Rory McWilliams, who proposed in October 2022.
“I used to think, ‘I will never remarry. Never, never, never. I will not pursue another relationship. I am content on my own. I want to raise my children, focus on work, and that’s it,’” the 48-year-old star disclosed to PEOPLE. “And then… one should never say never, right?”
The couple is currently arranging their wedding, having secured the same church where Prince Charles and Princess Diana tied the knot in 1981 as their venue. Additionally, Victoria Beckham is reportedly designing Mel B.’s wedding gown.
Prior to Rory, the singer was married to Stephen Belafonte for a decade before their separation, as detailed in her 2018 memoir, Brutally Honest. She was previously married to Jimmy Gulzar from 1998 to 2000 and has children from her previous relationships: Phoenix, 25, Angel, 16, and Madison, 12.
Geri Halliwell
Geri Halliwell, known as Ginger Spice, crossed paths with her husband, Christian Horner—the team principal of Formula 1’s Red Bull Racing—in 2009 at a racing event, although they only commenced dating in 2014.
Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage in 2015, and a year and a half later, they welcomed their son, Montague. The songstress and former racing driver also have children from their prior relationships: Geri’s daughter, Bluebell Madonna Halliwell, from her liaison with British director Sacha Gervasi, and Christian’s daughter, Olivia Horner, from his marriage to Beverley Allen.
“I share a wonderful relationship with Beverley, who gets along well with Geri. Geri is fantastic with Olivia, and Olivia has a lovely bond with Monty,” Horner shared in 2023. “It’s a harmonious dynamic.”
Reflecting on his union with the songstress, the racing magnate added, “Fate works in mysterious ways. I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl. I married her because I fell head over heels for her. Next year will mark a decade since our union, and we’ve enjoyed seven blissful years of marriage.”
Emma Bunton
Emma Bunton, fondly known as Baby Spice, initially crossed paths with the R&B artist Jade Jones in the late 1990s, nurturing their love over the years before becoming engaged in 2011. In a 2008 interview with Closer magazine, Bunton dispelled rumors about their engagement, affirming, “We’ve been rumored to be engaged about 20 times, but we don’t need a wedding to validate our relationship. However, if we do decide to wed, it won’t be a clandestine affair—my family would be deeply hurt.”
In July 2021, the couple—proud parents to sons Beau, 16, and Tate, 12—astounded fans by exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony. Both partners took to social media to announce their new status as “Mr and Mrs Jones,” eliciting congratulatory messages from their fellow Spice Girls.
“Congratulations 🎉🍾🎈 love u both so much!! X,” shared a fellow Spice Girl. “Yeahhhhhh! Congratulations 🥂love you all sooooooo much 💗,” commented another. “Yipppeee,” echoed a third.
Emma and Jade continue to thrive as a couple. Marking Baby Spice’s 48th birthday in January, Jade posted a series of photographs capturing tender moments between the pair, captioning them, “Happy birthday to my wonderful wife! I love you so much baby, and each day with you enriches this world!! X.”
Mel C.
Celebrating her milestone birthday and the enthralling performance she delivered to mark the occasion, Melanie Chisholm, popularly known as Sporty Spice, took to social media in January to express her gratitude, stating, “Turning 50 feels incredibly liberating!!! I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for making this the most exceptional birthday EVER!!! A weekend filled with old and new friends and family (with fans encompassing both categories!)… Exhausted but content 😊 Now contemplating plans for the next significant milestone!!! 😉.”
The Spice Girl was previously in a seven-year relationship with music producer Joe Marshall before their separation in 2022, purportedly due to conflicting schedules.
Preceding her relationship with Marshall, Chisholm shared a decade-long bond with property developer Thomas Starr, with whom she shares a daughter, Scarlet, aged 15.
“Becoming a mother has heightened my self-awareness,” Melanie shared in 2020. “I now have someone I deeply care for and wish to safeguard. I strive to be the best version of myself for her. She has instilled in me a profound appreciation for my body and mind.”