Halliwell 'responsible' for Cole success

WENN

Geri Halliwell has claimed that she is responsible for Cheryl Cole's success.

The former Spice Girl credited herself with spotting Cole's potential when she auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals in 2002.

"I'm so proud of Cheryl Cole. I really fought hard to put her through," she told the Daily Mail.

"I love that I opened that little window of opportunity for her and now she's run with it."

Halliwell and former bandmate Emma Bunton were last night spotted attending the Girls Aloud 'Out Of Control' live show at London's O2 arena.

Cole previously complained that comparisons between Girls Aloud and the Spice Girls were unfair.

"We've been around for six years - they were around for 18 months," she said.

"We recognise what the Spice Girls did, but it really annoys me when you meet girls who go, 'We wannabe the next Spice Girls'."