Glare of publicity follows Beckhams

POSH and Becks were destined to become one of the world’s most famous couples from the moment they first set eyes on each other. Yet the one-time Spice Girl said she did not know who the rising Manchester United star was when the couple were introduced after a football match in 1997.

She confessed it was “love at first sight” and within two years they were preparing a lavish showbiz wedding at Luttrellstown Castle, near Dublin. The wedding was swathed in publicity, with a heavy security presence and a reported 1.5 million deal for exclusive magazine pictures.

They moved into a lavish 3 million mansion in Hertfordshire, dubbed “Beckingham Palace” as their fame transcended sport and pop.

David became as famous for his dress sense and constantly changing haircuts, while Victoria’s shopping sprees were a magnet for the paparazzi.

The Beckhams both grew up in unremarkable circumstances, but were consumed with a desire to get ahead in their respective professions. Victoria Adams was raised in Goffs Oak, Hertfordshire, but shot to fame when she answered an advert in The Stage newspaper at the age of 17 which led to the formation of the Spice Girls.

David Beckham is the son of a gasfitter and grew up in Leytonstone, east London. But he spurned local clubs in favour of Manchester United after the club’s scouts spotted him at the age of 14.

He made his United debut at the age of 17, was an England international at 21 and captained the national team for the first time in November 2000, aged 25.

The Beckhams first son, Brooklyn, was born in 1999.

He was joined last month by their second son, Romeo, who was born at London’s Portland Hospital.