Spice Girl Mel B to switch on Blackpool Illuminations

Mel B started her career as a dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach Resort

Mel B says she is "excited to get the party started" after it was announced she will switch on this year’s Blackpool Illuminations.

The Spice Girls singer will make a return to the resort where her career first started - as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach Resort.

"To me it was the most glamorous place in the world - the Vegas of Britain," she said.

The free switch-on ceremony will take place on the Tower Festival Headland on 30 August and includes a concert headlined by singer-songwriter Ella Henderson.

Mel B rose to global fame in the 90s as a member of the Spice Girls

Melanie Brown rose to global fame in the 90s as a member of the Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Scary Spice.

With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, they became the best-selling female group of all time.

She has since gone on to work as a solo singer-songwriter, TV personality and actress.

She was made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list for her charitable work.

Mel said: "I’m so thrilled to be turning on the Illuminations because Blackpool has played a big part in my life and career.

"I love the people, the place and of course the fish and chips - with plenty of scraps.

"I’m really excited to get the party started."

Council leader Lynn Williams said: "It will be a pleasure to welcome her back to the resort where she started out on what was to become a stellar career.

"Not only is she a member of one of the best-known girl groups on the planet, her work with vulnerable women and victims of domestic abuse is exemplary."

Blackpool Illuminations will shine from 30 August until 5 January 2025.