Spice Girl Mel B to switch on this year's Blackpool Illuminations

Mel B has said she is ‘thrilled’ to be turning on this year’s Blackpool Illuminations describing the town as ‘the Vegas of Britain’.

The Spice Girls singer is making a nostalgic return to the resort where her career first started as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at Pleasure Beach Resort

Mel, now 49, said: “I'm so thrilled to be turning on the Illuminations because Blackpool has played a big part in my life and career. I was just 16 when I came to Blackpool to be part of the Mystique dance group."

"To me it was the most glamorous place in the world - the Vegas of Britain.”

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Mel went on to reach global fame in the 90s as a member of the Spice Girls in which she was nicknamed Scary Spice. The group became the best-selling female group of all time.

Reflecting on her time in Blackpool as a teenager, Mel said: “I had so much to learn, so fast and it stood me in good stead for everything that came later. I love the people, the place and of course the fish and chips - with plenty of scraps.

"So to have the opportunity in 2024 to come back and turn on the Illuminations means so much to me. I'm really excited to get the party started!"

The 49-year-old has gone on to work as a solo singer-songwriter, TV personality and actress, working on numerous shows in the UK, Australia and the United States.

Last month, she received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University, which recognised the star for her work with domestic abuse victims and her global influence as "a music icon". Mel who is patron of Women's Aid, was also made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her charitable work.

The Switch-On