Bunton braves stage for Spice Girls' homecoming gig

The Spice Girls kicked off the UK leg of their comeback tour last night, telling fans: “It’s so good to be home”.

The band opened the first of 17 dates at London’s O2 arena complete with Baby Spice Emma Bunton, who sprained her ankle during a show in Las Vegas.

Bunton had vowed to take the stage on crutches if she had to after her sustaining her ankle injury in the US.

But she managed without them and soldiered through the routines, although she left some more energetic dance moves to her band mates.

Throughout the show, the loudest screams were for Victoria Beckham.

The crowd erupted as Posh – better known for her pouting than her vocal abilities – sang a solo line.

Celebrities in the audience included Roberto Cavalli, who designed the costumes for the tour, and singer Rihanna.

The girls began their first UK show in nine years with 'Spice Up Your Life'.

“Spice Girls are in the house. Are you ready for some Girl Power?” demanded “Ginger Spice” Geri Halliwell.

The girls ran though their back catalogue of hits including '2 Become 1', 'Viva Forever' and 'Stop', before returning for an encore of 'Wannabe'.

'For Who Do You Think You Are?' Geri came on stage in an updated version of her famous Union Jack mini-dress.

The girls did a solo song each except for Posh, who strutted down a catwalk and posed in front of a wind machine instead.

Mel B’s performance was a touch X-rated – she dragged a hapless male on to the stage and simulated a sex act.

Some fans complained about the poor quality of sound in the O2 Arena, which made it difficult to make out what the girls were saying between songs.

But the band thanked “our loyal fans who have never ever let us go”.

Their reunion tour began earlier this month in Vancouver.

The group have promised these shows are a one off and they have no plans to resume their Spice career full-time.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper