They first met over 20 years ago when global phenomenon girl band The Spice Girls was formed in 1994.
While the group were renowned for their feistiness and cheeky performances, Mel C and Emma Bunton are now doting mums – Mel has six-year-old daughter Scarlett with former partner Thomas Starr, while Emma has sons Beau, eight, and Tate, four, with partner of 17 years, Jade Jones.
And speaking at a charity production of the The Rocky Horror Show, the girls tell Closer that Christmas is now their favourite time of year to spend with close family and friends.
Mel, 41, says: “I’ve been looking forward to Christmas since September. Scarlett is at that perfect age where she’s so excited by the day and the presents too. It really gets you into the festive spirit. Christmas is all about the kids.”
And Mel’s former bandmate Emma Bunton, 39, says: “I love Christmas. It’s one of my favourite times of the year. Having children makes it that much more magical. The day really revolves around them.”
Read the full interview in this week’s Closer – out now