MEL C. CLAIMS THEY STILL HAVE SPICE

Mel C claims the Spice Girls all still live up to their famous nicknames. The singer, who was christened Sporty in the band's heyday, says while she and the rest of the girls - Victoria 'Posh' Beckham, Emma 'Baby' Bunton, Mel 'Scary' B and Geri 'Ginger' Halliwell' - have matured in the past nine years they still have their distinctive personalities. Mel C said: "Mel B isn't as scary as she used to be, she's definitely mellowed somewhat. But she's still very feisty. Ginger is a little bit lighter now, her hair is a little bit more golden. Baby's always going to be the baby, she's the youngest. And Victoria is very posh." Mel C, who was initially reluctant to reform the band, is now really looking forward to the girls' reunion tour, which starts in Vancouver, Canada, on December 2. She said: "This is our final farewell. We wanted an opportunity to get together to really celebrate everything we've achieved and give a great big thank you to our fans. "We just want to make this the best pop show that a British band has ever put on." Before the world tour starts, the band will appear at a fashion show for lingerie chain Victoria's Secret, in which they will be wearing some of the firm's sexy underwear. She added to US TV show 'E!': "We're going to be performing one of our old songs and one of our new songs, 'Headlines', and it's going to be very beautiful. "We're hoping to get ourselves into some Victoria's Secret underwear for the show." The girls have signed an exclusive deal with Victoria's Secret to sell their greatest hits album exclusively through the lingerie chain.

SPICE GIRL MEL B. GETS DNA TEST TO PROVE EDDIE MURPHY IS THE FATHER OF HER BABY

Eddie Murphy and Spice girls Mel B.

Mel B was "distraught" after her new baby underwent a DNA test to prove Eddie Murphy is the father. The former Spice Girl was reportedly devastated when ex-lover Eddie failed to get in touch after she gave birth to Fortuna Daphne Bay nearly two weeks ago. The procedure for the paternity test is now underway and Mel is determined to prove her daughter's parentage. A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "She is distraught that her baby has been subjected to the DNA-testing procedure. "She can't believe it's come to this and that Eddie hasn't just admitted the child is his. "This last week should have been an incredible time for Mel, but it's been emotionally overwhelming and she's been constantly in tears. The DNA test was the last straw and she's gearing up to fight back. She's a strong-willed woman and will fight to the end." Earlier this week, Mel, 31, named Eddie as the father on Fortuna's birth certificate and has hired a top lawyer in preparation for a lengthy court battle. Mel enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Eddie before it ended abruptly late last year. The 'Dreamgirls' actor began dating producer Tracey Edmonds shortly after the split and claimed in an interview on Dutch TV he didn't know who the baby belonged to. A source said: "Eddie and Fortuna look very much alike and Mel wants to let everyone know that Eddie has to take his responsibilities as a father seriously."

SPICE GIRL EMMA BUNTON COPING WELL

Mel C says Emma Bunton is coping well with her pregnancy.The singer is in regular contact with her former Spice Girls bandmate, who is expecting her first child, and says she is beaming with a maternal glow.Mel said: "She's loving it and is blooming. She hasn't complained of morning sickness or swollen ankles, or anything like that. It's all really exciting, I'm so happy for her."Although she is thrilled for Emma, Mel insists she isn't getting broody although she does plan to start a family with her long-term boyfriend, construction firm director Thomas Starr. The 'I Want Candy' singer - who has been in a relationship with Thomas for five years - explained: "I'm not broody, but I do want kids and it's something I have to think about at my age."I don't know when it will happen. I tend not to think much further than the rest of the year ahead. We have talked about it. When you've been together for five years, you've pretty much talked about everything."