Latest news with #SportySpice
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mel C says she had to 'fight to be noticed' and shares hopes for her daughter
Spice Girls star Mel C, who was part of the '90s supergroup which was at the forefront of the feminist movement at the time, has praised the progress made in women's sport Mel C has praised the progress being made in women's sport in Britain - saying they are 'more visible and celebrated' than when she was young. The singer, 51, best known as Sporty Spice in the Spice Girls, was speaking with England rugby star Natasha (Mo) Hunt ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup this summer. The Women's football team will also compete at the Euros. Mel said: 'There's so much happening for women's sport. You know, we've had to fight to be noticed, to be taken seriously… That gives people more determination to succeed'. On her own daughter and sports, she added: 'My daughter's 16 and it's been really interesting to me, to see how much more choice she has as a girl in sport. Sports more traditionally thought of as 'mens' are now more open to girls than ever. 'Today, female role models in football, rugby and all sports are absolutely smashing it, they are more visible and celebrated than when I was a child. It's exciting to hear young girls saying, 'I want to be a rugby player,' and believing it's possible. Now that I've got a daughter of my own, I realise how important it is to celebrate the incredible things women are doing not just in music, but in sport too. We've got to keep that momentum going.' Mel and Natasha Hunt were talking as part of a campaign with Volvic and the pair reflected on their careers, their shared values and the power of female role models. New YouGov research shows 87%* of women believe team sports help girls build life skills like teamwork, resilience and leadership. Volvic's Force of Nature Fund is offering grants up to £5,000 to help more girls across the UK get into the game. Mel said she takes performing gigs so seriously it is almost like she is preparing for a sporting event. She said: 'I'm really conscious of being in the best physical condition that I can be for my performances. I want to give the best performance I can. I think about how hard people have worked to buy the tickets to pay for their transport, accommodation, you know, all of those things. I think I need to be on my A game because people have really put themselves out to be here to support me.' On her favourite performances she added: 'The Spice Girls had some insane moments. But for me, being Sporty Spice performing at London 2012, felt like I was performing for my country. I was ready to go and get a tattoo to mark the moment and everything! It was incredible, an absolute highlight of my career.' Natasha earned her first senior cap in 2011 and is a true force of nature with her dedication and remarkable performances, inspiring young girls to play rugby. She said: 'When I was little, there were very few role models to look up to. I think that Sporty Spice, pretty much stands out in terms of somebody that we could actually pin our hat on and say, I want to be like that.' The new research from Volvic revealed that 80%* of women agree that female athletes like England's rugby team are inspirational role models, yet 73% of women aged 35+ felt they didn't have one growing up. Digging deeper, 84% of women agree that it is important for the next generation to have visible female athletes to encourage participation.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
25 Pacsun Swimsuits For Your Next Beach Vacation
A bikini top and high-waisted bottoms that just called my cell and begged me to book a beachside vacation, which I took as an immediate order, so I'll see you at the all-inclusive. Price: the top for $29.65 (available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottoms for $24.95 (available in sizes XXS–XL) A strapless swimsuit in a yellow hue symbolic of all the sunshine you'll finally be getting after a year spent in hibernation. Working from home = great in theory, mid in practice. Price: $39.96 (available in sizes XXS–XL) A knotted bikini top and high-cut bottoms that strikes me as the kind of swimwear I'll be wearing to a point that extends beyond "outfit repeating." Kate Sanders, what would you think of me? Price: the top for $14.97 (originally $29.95; available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottoms for $13.47 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A triangle top and side-tie bottom with a postcard-inspired print, symbolic of all the upcoming adventures you'll be having this season. Price: the top for $17.97 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $16.17 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A tie-front tank and high-cut bottom you may want to purchase for the top alone because all the maxi skirts you bought on clearance last November? Yeah. Consider this their perfect matching top, one that also happens to be swim-friendly. Price: the top for $19.77 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $17.97 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XXL) A bandeau top and string bottom that looks like it was handpicked by the costume designers behind White Lotus. Season 1, specifically. Wearing this means you're basically in Hawaii. Price: the top for $16.47 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $13.47 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A triangle top and string bottom for lounging poolside all summer long. The pool in question? An infinity pool overlooking an endless view of blue, preferably somewhere in the Caribbean. Price: the top for $11.98 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $10.78 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A contrast swimsuit exuding Sporty Spice energy, perfect for all the beach volleyball tournaments I won't be actively participating in but will gladly watch from the beachside bar. Price: $29.97 (originally $49.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A bralette top and side-tie bottom that 100% has access to a time machine: This would be worn by Olivia Rodrigo in the present and and splashed all over Tumblr in the past. Price: the top for $13.18 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $11.98 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A halter bikini top and bottom embellished with seashell accents, representative of all the mementos you'll be collecting from your beachside trip. Price: the top for $19.59 (originally $27.99, available in sizes XS–L) and the bottoms for $13.29 (originally $18.89, available in sizes XS–L) An underwire swimsuit serving main character energy from your favorite rom-com. This one-piece demands to be worn throughout a romantic vacay spent going from beach to beach throughout the south of France. We don't make the rules. Price: $31.77 (originally $52.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) An underwire top and cheeky bottom that's inspired me to check my Uber app and see if I can charter any yachts for the weekend (update: I can't). Price: the top for $32.95 (available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $29.95 (available in sizes XS–M) A cutout swimsuit for a touch of Ibiza, even if your reality is: Eating soggy french fries from the beachside food court overlooking the Long Island Sound. Price: $33.29 (originally $36.99, available in sizes XS–L) A tank bikini and high-cut bottom best accessorized with a messy bun and teeny tiny sunglasses (see: below) for an ensemble that implies you have a minimum of 200,000 followers on Instagram. Fame — don't let it get to your head. Price: the top for $26.95 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $24.95 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A bikini top and high-cut bottom for a no-frills, no-fuss, super simple summer set you'll be able to wear for years to come. Price: the top for $20.96 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $18.86 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A one-piece I'd like to wear on a boat trip that hops from one Thai island to the next. My flight is yet to be booked but I'll add this to my shopping cart in the name of hope. Price: $39.96 (originally $49.95, available in sizes XS–XL) An underwire bralette and high-cut bottom featuring the vegetable du jour: tomatoes. Who knew produce would have such an impact on fashion and home scents this decade? Not I. Price: the top for $16.47 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $13.47 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) An eyelet swimsuit that's the little black dress equivalent of a summer wardrobe. A white one-piece = the style staple you'll wear far beyond the bachelorette party. Price: $26.47 (originally $52.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A triangle top and string bottom here to negotiate a longer PTO on your behalf. Hello HR? Prepare yourself for a lengthy email written by this Pacsun swimsuit. Price: the top for $15.47 (originally $30.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $14.97 (originally $29.95, available in sizes XS–XL) A bandeau top and string bottom that's giving "costume stolen from the set of Outer Banks" which I mean as the highest of compliments because that show = summer's best guilty pleasure. Price: the top for $26.36 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $21.56 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–L) An underwire bralette and high-cut bottom covering all major bikini food groups: Some ruffle, some leopard, and a pop of red for dessert. Price: the top for $16.47 (originally $32.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottom for $13.47 (originally $26.95, available in sizes XXS–XL) A low-back swimsuit that's a two-fer for any impending trips: As a traditional swimsuit *or* as a gorgeous bodysuit for sightseeing new and exciting places. Price: $30 (originally $50, available in sizes XS–L) A bandeau top and patchwork bottom so cute I can practically taste that post-beach day sunset in which you're packing up for the day. Picture it: The day has finally broken to reveal a light breeze, you're about to head to the boardwalk restaurant, life is good. Price: the top for $32.95 (available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottoms for $26.95 (available in sizes XXS–XL) A triangle top and high-cut bottom that has made me, a cynic, believe in love at first sight. Added to my cart immediately. Price: the top for $29.95 (available in sizes XXS–XL) and the bottoms for $26.95 (available in sizes S–L) A gingham one-piece because Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore, she's actually poolside at an all-inclusive in Tulum (or at least that's what the below swimsuit would imply). Price: $42.63 (originally $52.95, available in sizes XS–XL)
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mel C flaunts her sizzling six-pack as she shares slew of snaps from recent trip Down Under - including a loved-up display with new boyfriend Chris Dingwall
Mel C flaunted her rock hard abs in a slew of snaps on Instagram on Thursday while reflecting on her recent trip Down Under. Sporty Spice, 50, jetted off to Australia in March with her boyfriend Chris Dingwall ahead of the Australian Grand Prix - where she was booked to play a DJ set. But after returning back to the UK in preparation for festival season, Mel is seemingly suffering with holiday blues as she gave fans an insight into her getaway. Captioning the post: 'Missing life down under,' the first photo shared by the pop star showed her indulging in some seaside yoga while showing off her impressive physique. Donning a pair of shorts and a dark blue sports bra, Mel flaunted her sizzling six-pack while stretching her arms towards the sky for the snap. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Her abs were again on show in an later photo, with Sporty Spice unsurprisingly enjoying a visit to the gym in a matching shorts and bra combo. It wasn't all sports and yoga for Mel Down Under however, with the slew revealing that she had taken in a Dua Lipa performance during her trip away. And the 50-year-old seemed to be having a whale of a time watching the British superstar's Radical Optimism tour, with Mel filmed dancing the night away in the crowd. In another video, Mel revealed exactly how she manages to wear stilettos for an entire day - by taping her toes together. The footage showed a man - presumably her stylist - prepping the Spice Girl to slip into a pair of heels while explaining exactly how the method works. 'The science says that by taping toe two and three together, it will redistribute the pressure on the foot meaning Melanie can do a full day in the world's most heeled high heels,' he said. '(Our inspiration is) Vanessa Williams while performing in The Devil Wears Prada, she told the world that this was the secret to getting through a full day in stilettos, and let's see if she's a liar.' Mel also put on a loved-up display with her film director boyfriend Chris, who is believed to be in his 40s, in a selfie shared to her Instagram on Thursday. While it remains unclear how the couple met, they confirmed romance rumours last June when they attended Glastonbury together. Chris - who stands at around 185cm tall - is a model who has also tried his hand at acting, writing and film directing. During their time together in Australia, the couple were pictured sharing a cheeky kiss while enjoying a day on the beach. Since going public with their romance, Mel and Chris have also enjoyed a summer break in Ibiza together. They were seen sharing a steamy kiss during a PDA-filled boat ride on the island. In July, Mel also cosied up to her new partner as they enjoyed a day out at Wimbledon in south west London. The singer keeps her love life largely out of the spotlight but previously spoke about how she was banned from dating in the early days of the Spice Girls - while her bandmates were free to pursue romances. 'Looking back what struck me was it was one rule for one and another for the others, right?' she previously told Australia's The Project. 'I think when you are vulnerable as well, people go, I don't think it's good for you'. Mel said the rule for the other women was, 'she is fine, she can have a boyfriend, she can cope with having a boyfriend, she is strong enough but you are not'. 'It makes you question yourself when you are already vulnerable,' Mel added. On Thursday, it was reported that Simon Fuller – the man who managed the band, created Brand Beckham and helped found Victoria Beckham's fashion empire – is keen to organise a tour to mark the group's 30th anniversary next year. He has the support of Mel C, Mel B and Emma Bunton, and has spent more than a year trying to win Geri Halliwell-Horner round to the idea. A source told The Mail's Alison Boshoff: 'Geri isn't interested in stepping foot on a stage again.' So the plan she agreed to was for Abba-style avatars of the girls, which would 'perform' in concert. But Victoria is being left out of discussions and will not be part of the virtual line-up. A source said: 'Simon Fuller planning a tour has caused yet another schism. Victoria is f****d off that they have gone with him and there is no way that she will be a part of it. 'The bad feeling seems to go back to her and David having to spend millions on buying him out of Beckham Brand Holdings. He still has a stake and board seat on her fashion business. There is resentment there. 'Geri wants to do the avatars idea. She isn't interested in coming back and doing a tour. She doesn't need to. This is the one idea which Simon has had which has tempted her.' The source added: 'Simon Fuller is the only person who could get Geri to rejoin the Spice Girls, but he is the one person in the world who could never persuade Victoria.' No wonder only Mel C and Emma Bunton went to Mel B's 50th birthday celebrations in Leeds last weekend. All of the 'girls' showed up for Victoria's 50th birthday last year, but it seems that they are in separate camps once again. In fact, there has not yet been a meeting to discuss plans with Geri and the other Spice Girls in the same room because 'at any given point
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mel B and Spice Girls bandmates reunite at iconic themed 50th birthday party
Mel B was joined by Melanie C and Emma Bunton as she celebrated her landmark birthday - with all three ladies looking wild and delightful in animal print outfits Mel B had a mini Spice Girls reunion as she was joined by Melanie C and Emma Bunton to celebrate her 50th birthday. The music icon looked in high spirits as she paid tribute to half a century of life, with an energetic night of partying to mark the occasion. The singer, known as Scary Spice, was joined by fellow Spice Girls stars Mel, 51, and Emma, 49 - with the trio stunning in leopard print. Birthday girl Mel looked elegant in a long sleeved shimmering mini dress with sequins arranged in animal print fashion. While Mel C paid tribute to her Sporty Spice days by wearing a leopard print dress by sport brand Adidas. Emma also opted for a long-sleeved mini and looked thrilled to join the party with her bandmates. Throughout the night, the band danced along to music, including the band's hit, Holler. On Sunday, Mel took to Instagram to share a video montage of her party - uploading the highlights reel to her main grid alongside a caption stating: "Heres to 50 !!! And allll thats to come." Earlier in the week, Emma had marked the occasion by sharing a string of photos of herself with Mel from over the years alongside a caption reading: "Happy 50th @officialmelb! I'm not far behind you!!! From zig ah zig ahs to belly laughs. Hope you have the best day. Sending love and birthday hugs." And Mel C had shared a string of images of her own along with a long caption. She wrote: "50 years on this planet my darling @officialmelb. Oh, the adventures we have had! I still remember the first day we met and thinking you were the coolest person I had ever seen, how is that over 30 years ago?!" She continued: "I'm so proud of everything we have achieved and adversities you have not only overcome but have used to help others Mel B MBE Hon D Univ you're a f***ing rock star and I love you more than words can say. Looking forward to BIG celebrations soon! Happy Birthday you Northern nutter." Fans noticed that both Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner - known as Posh Spice and Ginger Spice respectively - were absent from Mel's birthday celebrations. Mel and Geri have had a feisty friendship over the years - with Mel admitting she was left fuming when Geri quit their band at the peak of its fame in the 1990s. Geri marked Mel's birthday when it passed on Thursday by sharing a snap of them in an Instagram post. She wrote at the time: "Happy 50th birthday @officialmelb wishing you a very wonderful year ahead." It was something of a celebration-filled weekend for Melanie, as her fiancé, Rory McPhee, also celebrated his birthday. On Saturday, Mel shared a photo of them together via her Instagram page and added a gushing message about him. She wrote: "My soon-to-be husband!! Happy birthdayyyy !!! I can't wait for a lifetime together with you to always having fun like only we no and laughing all the way together alwaysss I luv youuu my luv @rorymcphee." Mel and Rory have been in a relationship since 2018, and they became engaged in October 2022. While their wedding date is currently unknown, it has been revealed that the singer and her hairdresser husband-to-be are planning to get married at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The Spice Girl icon revealed to TODAY in the USA recently that she is granted permission to marry at the iconic venue thanks to her status as a holder of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) title. She told the morning news show last month: "I got an MBE for all my charity work that I've been doing. It was actually Prince William that gave me my little honorary badge. And it's quite a big deal. I didn't realise how much of a big deal it was until I started reading about it, and then I started getting really nervous. It was really lovely. So, because of that, I am going to get married in the same church as Princess Diana.'
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mel C channels her Sporty Spice roots in Liverpool kit as she makes surprise appearance during Tom Grennan's BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend set
She became known to millions of Spice Girls fans as Sporty Spice during her time with the pop group. And Mel C proved she's still got it as she made a surprise performance during Tom Grennan's BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend set on Friday. Announcing his special guest, Tom, 29, told the crowd: 'Liverpool is her manor, so make sure you make the biggest noise when I say this name.' Mel, 51, appeared on stage dressed in a full Liverpool FC kit with a shirt marked with a nine on the back. Meanwhile Tom, who had gone backstage to change, appeared moments later in a full Everton FC kit with a blue top that was marked with a seven. Together, they stood side by side to create the number 97, which was a tribute to the number of Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The pair shared the spotlight as Mel performed her 1998 hit 'When You're Gone,' originally a duet with Bryan Adams. Earlier in the day, Tom revealed his 'anxiety has taken over' in recent months after undergoing an ankle operation. The Little Bit of Love singer, 29, is gearing up for 'one of the biggest shows of his life' on Friday night as he closes the opening day of the festival. But the usually energetic performer is not '100 per cent' for the big night after spending eight weeks recovering from an ankle tendon injury. In a candid interview with MailOnline, Tom - who has been open about his struggles with mental health throughout his career - spoke about the affect the injury has had on him over the past few months. 'I'm a person like every body who suffers with anxiety and mental health,' the performer said. 'I've got a bad ankle, I've had to have an operation to get a tendon rebuilt so I was in a boot for eight weeks. It's not good, it's a long recovery. I think that's where a lot of my anxiousness over the past few months has come from. 'So we'll see what I can do tonight, I'm going to have to get it strapped up - I'm still not comfortable with it. I think that's where a lot of my anxiousness over the past few months has come from.' Meanwhile Tom, who had gone backstage to change, appeared moments later in a full Everton FC kit with a blue top that was marked with a seven. In a heartbreaking interview on Pete Wicks's podcast earlier this month, the singer revealed the crippling anxiety he suffered after being the victim of a random street attack when he was just 17. The attack - which saw Tom get 'held by three guys and pounded in the face' - left the Bedford-born vocalist scared to leave his home. Throughout his career however, Tom has had some 'great friends' in the music industry who have helped him get through his struggles. 'My good friend Roman Kemp is a person I can speak to - he's been a big advocate for mental health so we speak a lot,' he told MailOnline. 'Harley from Rizzle Kicks, he's a really good friend and someone I can speak openly to. My manager as well - there's more but I think definitely those three I can fully trust. 'A lot has happened in my life over the last few months where anxiety has taken over but it's important to have that too - it means I care. 'When I hit the stage, it's a different energy. It's like football, when you're in the game everything melts away. It's the same on stage, nothing else matters when I'm up there.' Tom too revealed that he's been working on a new album - which he says will not have any features. 'No one wanted to work with me,' he joked. The new album is set delve into Tom's 'struggles with different aspects of my life, whether it's alcohol or drugs. I've opened up about my life, from being a kid to now, family and relationships.'
