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t. But things took got a restraining ed physical and their marriage. eave him several eatened me with o destroy my life.” ed her into threepregnant – then on. Belafonte has Mel’s claims. says her relationmean that she has brought up her ne.
“I was a single eight years with en she was first being a single is really chalging because you o feel by yourself in a world where you’re doing it for the first time. Even throughout my marriage, I’d say I was kind of a single parent because I was doing everything for my kids, plus working.
“I’ve always been the provider and supporter for my kids. This time around, I have a little more support because Phoenix is 20. So, yeah, it feels very safe and lovely.”
The star’s marriage problems caused a family rift with mum Andrea and her former Emmerdale actress sister, Danielle. But they are now reconciled and she found being part of a large family crucial in getting through such a tough time.
She is now even hosting her own podcast, The Truth Flirts, for dating app Badoo to discuss the highs and lows of romance.
Mel says: “Everybody needs time to heal, to build your inner strength back up, to start your healing process – that’s what I did, and that’s going to be an ongoing thing for me.
“Anybody who’s been in that kind of intense relationship should find time to do that. Being around my mum, my sister – my mum’s one of seven, so I’ve got lots of nephews and nieces raiding my wardrobe – being around without asking?’” family has been When Mel was amazing for me.” Phoenix’s age, bandmates
Mel has now Ginger, Posh, moved from her Los Baby and Sporty Angeles home back used to help her pick to her native Leeds, her outfits for dates. West Yorks, where she She says: “Back in is focusing on raising her the day, in my 20s, daughters. And, just as she getting ready to go out for told us when the Spice Girl a date [involved] all the Spice first exploded into the charts, Girls helping each other pick out she believes girl power is the FOCUS With Phoenix, Giselle the different clothes – but
Belafonte, Angel and Madison way forward. that was 20 years ago. From
Mel says: “I’m close to all my kids. There’s what I’ve experienced so far on the podcast, a female energy in our house and we play it’s a very different time to be dating! music, we cook together, it’s a beautiful “There’s so many dating apps, people have thing. All three of my kids are very, very a lot more choice, but at least it’s all out there different – they’ve all got strong, independent, in the open if you’re really shy, or if you’re a caring personalities. bit nervous to go up to that person and ask
“I’ll find my 20-year-old posting something them out. My friend signed me up for an app on Instagram and I’ll be like, ‘That is two years ago and I found it very funny.” my outfit! Those are my trousers that I wore Mind you, Mel says she would rather stay in one of my Spice Girls videos. What are you at home and enjoy a cosy night in these days. MEL B ON BEING POSITIVE ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS She admits: “I’ve never really been that girl that goes out and out and out, since I’ve been 15 or 16, I’ve always been the girl that opts to stay at home with my mum and have some dinner and watch TV.
“I’ve never really been like that – I’ve been on the party scene, don’t get me wrong, but I’m very much a homebody. I’m back in Leeds, looking outside my window at nature and sheep – it’s lovely, very peaceful.”
And after a hectic few months following the Spice Girls reunion tour earlier this year, Mel says finding her inner calm is more important than ever. She says: “I’ve always done meditation. I became a reiki master at 19, so I’ve always been into the mind, body and soul, and making it feel good.
“I don’t have time to exercise every day so I do a quick meditation or do some reiki – even if you just take five or 10 minutes to do that, you feel much better and grounded.” ■ The Truth Flirts is launched with dating app Badoo. Listen at bit.ly/TheTruthFlirts
Love can be heartbreak and at the same time joy, passion and beauty