Mel C surprises Emma Bunton on Heart with Spice Girls birthday praise
Emma Bunton celebrated her 50th birthday live on Heart Breakfast this morning.
The special broadcast saw Jamie Theakston mark the occasion with a surprise-filled show as Bunton sits-in for Amanda Holden, with friends, family and former Spice Girls joining the celebrations on air.
There were messages from Mel C and Mel B, along with appearances from Emma Bunton’s husband Jade Jones and close friends Leigh and Jill Francis, as the studio filled with not one but 13birthday cakes!
One of the most emotional moments came when Mel C joined the show live, catching Emma completely off guard and prompting laughter, tears and plenty of affection between the former bandmates.
Reflecting on the early days of the Spice Girls, Mel C told Emma that her arrival had been a defining moment for the group.
“That was such an important day in the history of the Spice Girls because until that moment we weren’t the Spice Girls. It was Emma joining that made everything work and made the magic that the Spice Girls are,” she said.
Emma returned the praise, describing Mel C as someone she relies on deeply, adding that their bond has lasted through both the highs and the tougher moments of their shared career.
Mel C went on to describe Emma as the emotional centre of the group, crediting her with holding the band together during intense periods of success and pressure.
“She was like the glue that we needed. There’s such a dynamic between the five of us and I think you know that there’s some very outspoken members,” she said, laughing.
She added that Emma brought calm and rationality to the group, calling her “the beautiful cherry on the cake” that helped turn the Spice Girls into a global phenomenon.
The birthday surprises continued with a pre-recorded message from Mel B, who joked about Emma reaching the milestone age.
“I can’t believe you’re 50. Baby Spice is 50,” she said, before teasing Bunton about her love of leather fashion choices.
Emma, who has remained a familiar voice on Heart, thanked everyone for the messages and laughed along as the show repeatedly returned to the idea that “Baby Spice” had officially joined the 50 club.