Who knew they were friends? Emma Bunton doubles up with Leigh Francis for family holiday

At first glance, former pop star Emma Bunton and comedian Leigh Francis appear the most unlikely of friends.

But given Leigh's fondness for Spice Girls in his TV show Bo' Selecta, it perhaps no surprise to see the funnyman has struck up a friendship with one of the girl group.

In fact, Emma and Leigh are such good friends they are holidaying in Florida together with their respective partners and children.

Holiday companion: Emma Bunton and comedian Leigh Francis are holidaying together in Florida with their respective partners

Joining the family holiday is Emma's long-term love Jade Jones, formerly of the R&B group Damage, and Leigh's wife Jill.

The foursome are renting a home in Orlando, where they have been vacationing with Emma's son Beau and Leigh's newborn daughter.

In contrast to many celebrities who are waited on 24 hours a day at five-star hotels, the down-to-earth pals were spotted shopping for groceries as they prepare to make their own meals.

They also took some time to enjoy the sunny weather, with fair-skinned Leigh, 34, wisely staying in the shade.

Sun-worshipping: Emma wisely covers up as she relaxes on a sun lounger

Writing on his Twitter micro-blogging site last week, he said: 'Wow its hot, I'm gonna put my shorts on and play out with my mates.'

Renowned amongst the Spice Girls for her curvy frame, Emma kept covered up in a pink t-shirt and straw hat as she relaxed on a sun lounger.

Currently enjoying a career break to focus on motherhood, Emma, 33, looked in her element as she played with her 21-month-old son Beau.

Proud father Jade, 30, was on hand with the video camera to film the toddler interacting with his mother.

Come to mummy: Emma holds her hand out to her son Beau as she, Leigh and a friend load up the car with groceries

Emma has been friends with Leigh for several years and appeared on his ITV2 show Celebrity Juice last October.

Leigh famously parodied her former Spice Girls bandmate Mel B in his popular Channel 4 show by dressing up in a leopard-print dress and wearing a curly wig.

Aside from the Spice Girls reunion in 2007, Emma has been keeping a low profile in recent years.

Focusing primarily on motherhood, Emma has enjoyed guest presenting on shows including Loose Women and standing in for Harriet Scott on the Heart FM breakfast show in March.

Memories are made of these: Jade Jones films Emma and their son Beau on the camcorder

After finding it difficult going on tour with the Spice Girls so soon after Beau's birth, Emma knows how hard it is to balance a career with motherhood.

She said last year: 'It was tough going on tour three months after having Beau, and I don't think I would put myself through that again. But that said, I was lucky in that Beau could come with me, so I didn't have separation anxiety.

'I'd like to do more presenting, but it would have to be in this country. I've done a few auditions in the US, but I feel so settled in the UK and I don't want to uproot the family. I'm such a London girl.

'I'm really looking forward to having more children - but not just yet as I'm enjoying this time with Beau. It's important to enjoy the moment and not always be rushing on to the next thing, especially because, for a long time, I thought I might never be a mum.'