Mel C teases marriage plans with her model boyfriend Chris Dingwall as she opens up on her past depression and loneliness

Mel C has hinted that marriage could be on the cards with her boyfriend Chris Dingwall as she reflected on past struggles with depression and loneliness.

The Spice Girls star, 52, went public with the Australian model in 2024 after the pair matched on celebrity dating app Raya.

Mel shares daughter Scarlett with property developer Thomas Starr, her partner of 20 years, before they split in 2021. 

She was previously in a seven-year relationship with her former manager Joe Marshall, which ended in 2015.

Now, in a new interview, the singer has opened up about her future with Chris - and whether wedding bells could be in their plans.

She told The Times: 'It's something I didn't think would be part of my story, but I'm so happy with Chris. Maybe it is something that will be in my life.'

Elsewhere in the interview, Mel spoke honestly about the deep loneliness she experienced as the Spice Girls began to split in the late Nineties.

Under relentless scrutiny in the public eye, she developed issues around food and found herself consumed by work while neglecting her personal life.

By the turn of the millennium, she reached breaking point.

'I'd started having a binge-eating disorder, but I didn't understand it,' she admitted.

Mel eventually sought professional help and was diagnosed with clinical depression and disordered eating - a turning point that marked the beginning of her recovery.

It comes after Mel addressed the Spice Girls feud rumours and has revealed that the band are getting 'closer' to confirming a reunion to mark their 30th anniversary.

The singer, who found fame in the iconic girl group alongside Mel B, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell-Horner and Victoria Beckham, has insisted they will 'celebrate' the occasion this year.

Mel explained that she doesn't want to 'throw anybody under the bus', but herself, Emma and Mel B have been in talks for the milestone.

However, the DJ has admitted the British girl group are 'frightened' and seriously feeling the pressure to get the celebration right.

During an appearance on The Rebecca Judd Show on Apple Music 1, Mel C explained: 'We're closer in that Emma's rooting for it too! You know what, I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus.

'We all are so proud, of course we are, of our legacy. It's amazing. And it is 30 years and we do have to celebrate that in some way this year. I'm always optimistic.'

The Wannabe hitmakers last performed as a fivesome at the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, and without fashion designer Victoria in 2019 because she wanted to focus on her family and her business.

Mel C admitted she and Mel B have been leading the charge for potential celebrations, but she said the group all feel some pressure about doing things 'the wrong way'.

She continued: 'I think me and Mel B are the cheerleaders and Emma's totally with us, but we all love it so much.

'I think it's so precious to us. We're frightened to do it the wrong way.

'So it's like we're still working, we're always talking, lines of communication are open and we are just waiting until we all decide on exactly the best way to do it.'