Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm has confirmed that she is pregnant by her partner of six years, Thomas Starr.

The 34-year-old singer announced the news on her website today.

Mel C said: 'Some happy news. Well, I can now announce that Tom and I are expecting a baby and we are very happy.

Blooming: Spice Girl Mel C seen on stage last week in a loose dress which first sparked rumours of a pregnancy

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Mama Spice: Mel C and her partner Thomas Starr

'As I'm sure you'll understand we needed time to wait for results and tell our families.

'I will be taking it easy but am also excited to start writing for the fifth album.

'I will need to take some time off to be a mum but, before you know it, we'll be back.'

The happy news means she will be the last of the five-piece girl band to become a mother, following Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton.

A source said: 'The girls are so pleased for her and have said they're only a phone call away to pass on any parenting tips.'

Melanie sparked rumours she may be pregnant last Friday when she wore a blue floaty dress at a show in Liverpool.

And in a recent interview she hinted that she was feeling broody.

She said: 'I love kids and one of the best bits about touring with the Spice Girls this time round was getting to know everyone's babies. I'm sure that babies will be a part of my future.'

Once Melanie gives birth it will bring the total haul of Spice babies to eight.

Victoria has three children with David Beckham - Brooklyn, nine, Romeo, five, and Cruz, three.

Melanie B has two girls - Phoenix Chi, nine, with dancer Jimmy Gulzar, and Angel Iris, 16 months, with Hollywood actor Eddie Murphy.

Geri has one youngster, two-year-old daughter Bluebell with Sasha Gervasi.

And Emma gave birth to son Beau Lee, aged one, with former lead singer of boy band Damage Jade Jones.

The Spice Girls bring their children on stage at Madison Square Garden, New York