Despite the rumours of in-fighting behind the much-hyped Return of the Spice Girls tour, these behind-the-scenes photos of the girls tell a different story.

Perhaps in an attempt to deflect comment that the reunion was in fact an unhappy one, the Spice Girls have released amazing photos of them hanging out backstage on their world tour.

By all accounts, there are plenty of smiles, and any fighting appears to be of the playful kind.

Scroll down for more..

Working it out: Geri Halliwell has an impromptu workout session backstage before a performance. The tour was dogged by rumours of rows but the girls appear happy and relaxed

Band member Melanie Chisholm, 34, is seen boxing with a tattooed roadie in her beige rhinestone studded Roberto Cavalli costume before their gig at the O2 Arena in London.

And fitness mad Geri, 35, is seen warming up in a thigh-baring costume with a few sit-ups pre-performance.

Scroll down for more..

Big hug: Posh gets a big supportive hug from husband David, and a kiss while waiting to go on stage

Posh, 33, and Geri are seen wearing silk boxer-style robes with their names emblazoned on the backs. But again no sign of a fight, just a girly chat before their show begins.

And in another show of affection, Posh clings lovingly to footballer husband David Beckham for a smooch as the girls wait to go on stage.

The Zen atmosphere backstage was helped by a noticeboard which carried motivational messages to inspire the girls such as 'visualize it', 'you can do it', 'thank you' and 'Love'.

Scroll down for more..

Wannabe boxers: Geri and Posh don boxer style gowns emblazoned with their Spice Girl names, but there's no fighting, just a friendly chat

Playful: Newly-released photos show the Spice Girls having a ball while on the road. Mel C is seen here play-fighting with a roadie backstage at the O2 Arena in London

Motivational messages: The girls needed a little extra help from a noticeboard filled with motivational messages such as 'thank you', 'visualize it', and 'Love'

Mel C has dismissed the reports that the tour was hampered by band rows.

Even though the group cut their comeback tour short amid rumours of a rift in the band.

Mel told Rolling Stone magazine: "All of us have really enjoyed getting closer again.

She added: "The atmosphere was fun and there hasn't been time for bickering or the fighting that's always reported about the Spice Girls.

"It's just like a big family. There's been more laughing than anything else.

She added: "We've been through something so unique together that even if we don't see each other for a few months, we get together and it's been like no time has passed."

End of the road: The Spice Girls, from left, Mel C, Posh Spice, Geri, Mel B, and Baby Spice, bowed out of their reunion world tour early, last month