When it comes to throwing diva tantrums, Emma Bunton is not the first person who springs to mind.

Smoking buddies: Emma Bunton and her female chum

But last night Baby Spice left clubbers at Mahiki nightclub shocked when she spat the dummy over the smoking ban.

The 33-year-old had asked whether she could smoke a cigarette in the club, and was more than a little upset when her request was refused.

We're told: “Emma came in with a pal and seemed to be in good spirits.

No one knew she was coming and staff managed to find a table for her.

After a while she asked a member of staff if she could smoke a cigarette but was told that she wasn't allowed.”

Surprisingly, Emma then demanded to speak to the club's manager.

Our spy added: “The manager came over and politely told her that the club has a no smoking policy. He was overheard saying that they don't even do it for the princes.”

Emma ordered a couple of drinks left after 45 minutes for nearby Maddox nightclub in Mayfair.

An onlooker said: “Emma is usually so mild-mannered, so those who heard what was going on were quite shocked.”

Emma's people were unavailable for comment today.

Trying to flout the smoking ban seems to be a new trend among celebs.

Lily Allen was almost chucked out of Café de Paris last week for repeatedly sparking up — even after being told not to. How cheeky.