Mel B is reportedly back in touch with her ex-girlfriend of five years, Cristine Crokos
The development in Mel’s love life comes just a week after she made the claim that she and Geri Halliwell had enjoyed a romp back in their Spice Girls heyday – which Geri has yet to confirm or deny (although she did dismiss claims that the fall out had jeopardised the upcoming reunion tour).
Mel and film producer Christine began dating in 2003, but went their separate ways in 2006 shortly before Mel married second husband Stephen Belafonte.
But rumours that they’d reignited their romance began swirling after eagle-eyed fans spotted a provocative comment from Christine on one of Mel’s Instagram posts.
Underneath a selfie of Mel looking utterly slammin’ in a crochet bikini, Christine has written, “Oh boy! Don’t be bringing that out to dinner with me!,” to which Mel replied, “Stop it.”
Opening up previously about her relationship with Christine, Mel told Gay Star news, “ “It wasn’t experimentation. I fell in love with a woman for five years. An experiment doesn’t last five years.”
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Mel’s sex claims
Mel B, 43, sensationally revealed last week that she'd had a boozy night of passion with Geri, 46 – who is said to be furious with her, as her daughter Bluebell, 13, could read the story. A worried Mel C, 45, hinted the fallout could ruin the reunion, responding to Mel B's exposé by saying, "That's it then, the tour is off."
Geri’s posh new life
Geri married F1 boss Christian Horner in 2015 and replaced the tongue-poking andpeace-signs with spiritualism sessionsand cookery classes. She has a society neighbour, Lady Joanna Wellesley, and a menagerie of goats and donkeys at her country manor. She also reportedly stopped a photo shoot with the Spices so she could meditate – and her new lifestyle is said to have irked Northern lass Mel B.
Manager fallout
The Spices sacked old boss Simon Fuller in 1997, amid reports he'd had a relationship with Emma Bunton, 43 – which they both denied – but he's involved with the tour in partnership with Mel C's Modest Management agency. He's also responsible for Brand Beckham – which won't sit well with the girls if they reportedly continue to clash with Posh, 44.
Post & Mel B's feud
Fans want a guest appearance fromPosh, but she doesn't get on with Mel B. Mel reportedly described Posh as "a bit of a bitch" in an interview last month, and allegedly told her to "f*** off" during a phone call last year. She then dressed up as her for Halloween. Posh also said the girls used to switch off her mic on-stage!
Nerves over past humiliation
Their 2007 comeback single Headlines was a flop, limping into the charts at number 20, and they fear the same will happen with the tour. Emma suffered anxiety before tickets went on sale, while Geri is reportedly taking singing lessons to avoid embarrassment.
Fury at Jess Glynne payout
Allegedly without the girls' say so, tour managers booked Jess Glynne as their support act, agreeing to a hefty £1.3million fee. The Spice Girls, who are rumoured to be pocketing £2.2m each, are said to be furious, suggesting tensions will rise in the dressing rooms. Jess, however, said she only agreed to the tour as she was such a massive Spice Girls fan and wanted to "hang out" with them.
Wardrobe woes
Stage costumes are causing problems as the foursome struggle to agree whether their fans want to see them wearing their '90s outfits – think Union Jack dresses – or more grown-up attire. While Mel B is apparently "desperate to relaunch herself as an edgy, sexy star to compete with the likes of Rita Ora", Geri wants a more wholesome image to appeal to the older, original fans.
Victoria is still cashing in
It's no secret that money is a big motivation for the tour. But Victoria will still make millions without stepping foot on stage, as she owns an equal stake in the band's brand. This has reportedly caused fury among the band members.
A fifth spice?
The Girls are reportedly discussing having a "fifth Spice". Comedian Jack Whitehall and superfan Adele have offered their services, while The X Factor's Saara Aalto revealed Mel C told her she could join. But would that mean splitting their earnings even further?
Old animosities
Although Emma is seen as the sweet one, she's no pushover. She may have forgiven Geri for quitting the band in 2003, but reveals that she won't stay quiet if the Girls squabble. "I was never afraid to say exactly what I thought. It's still the same now," she said recently.
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Although she’s always been open about her fluid sexuality and their meaningful past relationship, Mel has never named Christine in the press.
“I didn’t think it was fair to name her, or to put that relationship out there,” she said in the same interview. “If you care to, you can Google pictures of me and her online. But that wasn’t part of my storytelling for this book.
“I don’t define my sexuality at all. I know there are words out there: fluid, pan, bi, whatever you want to call it. That’s good for somebody if you need it. Each to their own. But for me, personally, I don’t feel the need to be labeled."
A source close to Mel and Christine told The Mirror, “Mel still has a strong connection with Christine even though it’s been more than ten years since they broke up."
Closer online has contacted Mel B's reps for comment.