Spice Girls fans mark 25th anniversary of Geri Halliwell's shock departure

Today is an incredibly triggering one for Spice Girls fans: the 25th anniversary of Geri Halliwell - aka Ginger Spice - departing the group.

On May 31, 1998, Geri's solicitor Julian Turton read out a statement written by her for journalists gathered outside his London office, as Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham, Mel B and Melanie C vowed to continue as a four-piece.

The statement read: "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best. I have no immediate plans. I wish to apologise to all the fans and thank them and everyone who's been there."

Geri added defiantly: "PS, I'll be back."

On Twitter, TV presenter Rylan Clark recalled having to take "three days off school" to process the shock news.

Meanwhile, Mel B gave the most Scary Spice response to the anniversary.

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Geri's bandmate Mel marked the anniversary in her trademark playful fashion, commenting on a fan account's Instagram post: "The happiest day of my life.🤪"

Prior to Geri's departure, the Spice Girls had scored six consecutive Number 1 singles: Wannabe, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1, Mama/Who Do You Think You Are, Spice Up Your Life and Too Much.

Following her exit, they added another three to their tally: Viva Forever (which her vocals appeared on), Goodbye and Holler/Let Love Lead the Way.

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Meanwhile, Geri went on to score four solo Number 1 singles with Mi Chico Latino, Lift Me Up, Bag It Up and It’s Raining Men. The only British female solo artists to have scored more Number 1 singles are Jess Glynne (7) and Cheryl (5).

The story has a happy ending, of course, because Geri later re-joined the iconic girl group for 2007’s The Return of the Spice Girls Tour, their memorable appearance at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony and 2019’s Spice World 2019 stadium tour.

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