“Sporty Spice” Mel C is pregnant with her first child, she confirms on her website. Mel had people wondering when she showed up at a performance last week wearing a loose jumpsuit showing a telltale round tummy. When Mel gives birth, probably early next year judging by her size, she will become the last member of British girl group The Spice Girls to become a mother. Mel has been with her boyfriend, Thomas Starr, for six years:

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.

‘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.’

[From The Daily Mail]

Mel C has had the most successful solo music career after the Spice Girls disbanded for the first time and is thought to have been the final holdout before they eventually agreed to reunite and tour last year.

Mel’s band members have seven children between them. Baby Spice Emma Bunton has the youngest, with 12 month-old boy Beau. Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell has daugher Bluebell Madonna, two. Scary Spice Mel B has daughters Phoenix Chi, 9, and Angel Iris, 16 months. The tiniest and richest spice, Victoria Beckham aka Posh has Brooklyn, 9, Romeo, nearly 6, and Cruz, 3. Mel can surely get plenty of parenting advice from the other Spice Girls if she’s open to it.

Congratulations to Mel and Thomas and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and bouncing baby.

Melanie Chisholm and Emma Bunton are shown out in London on 3/20/08. Credit: WENN