Melanie C ecpecting and her new album

Spice Girl Mel C expecting baby

Mel C has also enjoyed a successful solo career

Spice Girl Mel C is expecting her first baby, she has revealed.

Sporty Spice - real name Melanie Chisholm - who has been with her partner Thomas Starr for six years, is the last band member to have a child.

Fellow Spice Girl Melanie Brown has two daughters, Victoria Beckham three sons, Geri Halliwell has one daughter and Emma Bunton has a son.

The 34-year-old singer revealed the news on her website, adding it was "happy news".

New album

She said: "Well, I can now announce that Tom and I are expecting a baby and we are very happy.

"As I'm sure you'll understand we needed time to wait for results and tell our families.

"I will be taking it easy but am also excited to start writing for the fifth album.

"I will need to take some time off to be a mum but, before you know it, we'll be back."

In an interview published just three weeks ago, Chisholm said: "Don't mention the 'B' word! Everybody asks whether I'm going to be next or whether I'm trying at the moment.

"I hate to disappoint people, but the answer is 'no'."

Last year Chisholm joined her Spice Girl bandmates for a reunion world tour.