When we catch up with Emma Bunton at London’s Soho House over coffee, she couldn’t be more fun if she tried. Looking sensational in a blue flowery all-in-one jumpsuit and a denim jacket, Emma Bunton comes across as friendly, warm and a great person to be around.
Feisty and not afraid to speak her mind, she isn’t sickly nice – as is so often portrayed – and she actually has a wicked sense of humour, too.
Emma is the first to admit that life as a mum can be tough, but tells us she wouldn’t swap it for the world – and we believe her.
The star has come a long way since those early Spice Girls days 16 years ago, when she was known as the “baby” of the group.
Deciding to try her hand at TV, she strutted her way across the dancefloor on Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, and then her no-nonsense judging proved a hit on Dancing On Ice earlier this year.
But as Emma prepares to present her first big entertainment show, Don’t Stop Believing, for Five – which is scouring the UK for a new “all-singing, all-dancing” musical group and has Anastacia, Tamzin Outhwaite and Duncan James on the judging panel – she confides she couldn’t be happier than she is now.
Here, Emma, 34 – who lives in north London with her long-term partner Jade Jones, 30 – chats to us about her new show, her two-year-old son, Beau, and why she has no plans to marry…
Are you looking forward to hosting Don’t Stop Believing?
Very much so. It’s very hard for people to get into the music business, and these kinds of programme really can help. But I am very nervous. The thought of me on stage with an earpiece in my ear, presenting it on my own… oh my goodness!
Who will be the Simon Cowell of the judging panel?
Tamzin isn’t afraid to say what she thinks, and neither is Anastacia.
Some people would say there are too many talent contests. Do you agree?
No. Ours is different and Don’t Stop Believing is there to help give the contestants confidence and power. We’re not there to put them down.
Did Geri Halliwell phone you up before The X Factor to ask your advice on being a reality show judge?
No, I didn’t try to give her advice. I think you have to go on your own route with these shows.
You recently covered for Lorraine Kelly on the GMTV sofa. How was that?
At first, I was really nervous and kept thinking, “What am I doing?”, but I got used to it and loved it. I got to interview Tom Cruise and I was so star-struck!
How did you find the early mornings?
Easy because when you have a little boy, it doesn’t seem that early. GMTV is being shaken up later this year and you have been linked to a permanent role there… [Roars with laughter] I read that, too! Well, it’s news to me!
Your partner Jade did a cooking slot. Would you like to team up again?
Yes, definitely. We vibe off each other well and it feels nice and easy working with Jade.
What do you think of Christine Bleakley?
I met her when we were doing a charity thing together, and she was adorable. I don’t watch The One Show, purely because it’s on at 7pm and that’s bath and bedtime for Beau. He wouldn’t appreciate it if I put that on instead of Peppa Pig!
How is Beau?
He’s going to be three in August and he’s so adorable. He’s quite boisterous and he’s very inquisitive and cheeky. He makes me laugh, as some days he is so shy he will hide behind my leg, and then others, he will go up to strangers and sing nursery rhymes to them.
Does Jade ever change nappies?
He’s a very modern dad and so, yes, he does! It’s such a special thing for us to have a son. We’re soulmates.
Are you keen for Jade to propose?
No, I’m not. The thing with me and Jade is it’s been so brilliant and we are happy as we are. Of course, we have talked about marriage, but we like it the way it is. We have a child together, which is the most wonderful thing anyway.
Is it great that all of the Spice Girls are mums now?
It’s so lovely. It was so nice on the last tour. I had just had Beau at the time. Mel C hadn’t had Scarlet at that point and she spent a lot of time with Beau. And so when I found out she was pregnant, I was so pleased. We all go, “Look at us with our bubbas!”
Do you give each other parenting tips?
No, we are gossiping girls!
Will you return to the next series of Dancing on Ice?
I’m not sure what’s happening but I’d love to be part of it.
You were recently pictured wearing one of Victoria Beckham’s dresses. Did she recommend it to you or did you choose it yourself?
I chose it myself and I love it. Victoria’s dresses always make you feel so stylish. I am so lucky to have a great friend who designs wonderful outfits! She is an amazing designer. It is so difficult to go from music and do something else and there is real pressure, but it’s worked out so brilliantly for her. She has given me her advice before and told me to keep it classic.
There are reportedly plans for a Spice Girls musical. Is anything set in stone yet?
Yes, the girls and I have discussed a few ideas and we’re currently looking for writers. It will take time.
You’re friends with Louie Spence from Sky’s Pineapple Dance Studios. Are you surprised by his overnight rise to fame?
No. He is a genius and so funny. I am so chuffed for him and it’s great everyone is getting to see what I know and love. He’s my gay best friend!
You seem very happy at the moment…
Very much so. I am loving everything right now and while my responsibilities have completely changed with having Beau, I’m still ambitious and I’m loving working in television again.
Don’t Stop Believing starts on July 18 on Five
Source : New Magazine
0 comments:
Post a Comment