Spice Girls reunion: Victoria Beckham gives girl group her blessing after turning down comeback

Millions of nostalgic fans looking forward to the Spice Girls reunion will be disappointed to learn that the band will be one woman down. The Sun reports that Victoria Beckham will not be joining Mel B, Mel C , Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell for a string of dates in 2016 because of work commitments.

"Victoria met Geri recently to have an afternoon together reminiscing about old times," a source told The Sun. "Geri filled Victoria in on the plans for the reunion next year and Victoria made it clear she couldn't make it."

Although she will not be slipping back into her black minidress and platforms any time soon, the insider said that she gave the group her blessing. "She said she more than happy for the other girls to go ahead. It's wrong to suggest she would try to stop them doing it if the other girls wanted to."

It was previously reported that Mel B was furious with Beckham for bowing out of the tour, which will celebrate 20 years since their debut single, Wannabe. The mother-of-four is said to be focusing on her family and global fashion empire.

Meanwhile, 43-year-old Halliwell – who was also known by her nickname Ginger – recently confirmed during an appearance on This Morning that the Spice Girls have been having talks about marking their milestone.

She said: "I think it's flattering that people are so supportive of the Spice Girls individually and collectively.It's one of those things that have been discussed. I think it's nice to celebrate it in some way. I can say that there's been talks. That's fair and honest."

The Spice Girls, formed in 1994, split in 2000 as each member pursued their solo ambitions. The 2 Become 1 hitmakers got back together for a reunion tour in 2007. The last time the five-piece were seen on stage together was in 2012, when they performed at the London Olympics closing ceremony. Often considered the biggest girl group of all time, they have sold millions of albums and broken countless records.