Posh turns 30

One of the most talked-about women in Britain, Victoria Beckham has come a long way since auditioning for a fledgling girl band over a decade ago.

Formerly best-known for her love of designer outfits and killer high heel shoes, Mrs Beckham and husband David are today jointly worth an estimated €100m.

The mother-of-two’s origins can hardly be described as humble – her father used to drive her to school in a Rolls-Royce from her childhood home in Hertfordshire.

But it was an advert in The Stage in 1993 which set the then Miss Adams on the road to stardom.

It led to Victoria’s inclusion in girl band The Spice Girls, along with fellow members Mel C, Emma Bunton, Mel B, Geri Halliwell.

Dubbed Posh, Sporty, Baby, Scary and Ginger respectively, the Spice Girls shot to the number one spot in the UK with their single Wannabe.

World-wide stardom followed for the “girl power” pop band, whose string of hits included Say You’ll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Spice Up Your Life.

It was in 1997 that the girls appeared in their own film Spice World – and Victoria met her future husband David Beckham at a Manchester United football match.

The couple’s romance began at their first meeting and led to their engagement a year later.

In March 1999 Victoria gave birth to her first son Brooklyn – famously named after the place where he was conceived.

Four months after the birth of their son, the Beckhams enjoyed a sumptuous wedding at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland.

Since then, Victoria has worked hard to promote the Beckham “brand” which has secured the couple millions in advertising contracts.

The Beckhams are not only well known in Britain – they are seen almost as demi-gods in the Far East.

They have numerous properties, including a mansion in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, nicknamed Beckingham Palace, and a holiday home on the Cote d’Azur in France.

But while the footballer’s star is in the ascendant, Victoria has not continued the success she enjoyed during her Spice Girls‘ heyday.

Her latest comeback attempt, the double A-side single This Groove/Let Your Head Go, only made number three earlier this year, while her previous two releases both reached number six.

The ambitious former Spice Girl has collaborated with American hip hop producer Damon Dash, making frequent trips to the US in a bid to boost her solo career.

These spells away from Beckham and a reported rift over the footballers’ move to Madrid last year provoked rumours that the couple’s marriage was in crisis.

Victoria tackled the media assault with a flurry of television appearances in which she stressed her commitment to Beckham and the couple’s desire for more children.

But Posh’s media savvy has been stretched to the limit during the current furore over her husband’s alleged affairs.

As the allegations continue to fly. Victoria herself has come under fire from some critics who say she put her career ambitions before her family life.

Turning 30-years-old at her sprawling home in Hertfordshire today, it looks set to be a birthday that Victoria is unlikely to forget.