Geri Halliwell extends olive branch to Mel B on 51st birthday

Geri Halliwell-Horner has sparked fresh excitement among Spice Girls fans by publicly reaching out to former bandmate Mel B to celebrate her 51st birthday.

The singer, also known as Ginger Spice, shared a birthday tribute to Mel B on Instagram this Friday. The post featured a black-and-white throwback photo of the pair from their Spice Girls days together with an affectionate message.

“Happy birthday Melanie! Wishing you all the birthday love," she wrote in the caption.

Fans quickly reacted to the post, seeing it as a positive sign after months of rumoured tension between the two singers.

Fellow Spice Girls alum Melanie C also joined in on the celebration with a tribute of her own, sharing a video compilation of moments of the group performing together on stage.

In her caption, Mel C described Mel B as her “Northern nutter” and said she was still excited that they had recently performed together again. She also expressed hope of a reunion once more in the future.

Mel B replied in the comments, writing, “Ahhhh sooo lovely. Luv you!!!! And can’t waiiiit to be on the stage together again !!!!!!”

The birthday celebrations come almost a year after Geri missed Mel B’s wedding events. Mel B married hairstylist Rory McPhee in London in July before later holding another celebration in Marrakech. Geri did not attend either event, although bandmates Emma Bunton and Mel C were present. Reports at the time claimed Geri sent flowers instead.

The pair’s friendship has faced public scrutiny since 2019, when Mel B spoke about their relationship during an interview with Piers Morgan on his Life Stories programme. Mel B claimed the two had once been romantically involved during the height of the Spice Girls’ fame.

A representative for Geri later denied the claims and said the reports had been hurtful to her family.