Mel B quits Celebrity Juice ‘over busy schedule’ after its revealed Spice Girls will tour next year

MEL B has quit Celebrity Juice as a team captain amid reports that the Spice Girls will go back on tour in 2021.

The pop star turned TV personality had left the ITV2 show over an upcoming "busy" schedule, with sources close to the singer admitting "next year" will be jam-packed.

8

ITV confirmed the news in a statement, which read: "Mel has been a brilliant team captain and we'd like to thank her for all the laughs.

"We have no doubt she'll be back to banter with Keith as a guest on the show in the near future."

Sources close to Mel told : "Melanie has loved working with Leigh [Keith], Holly and the whole team at Celebrity Juice but next year is going to be very busy for her."

Mel joined the series in 2019 as a new team captain opposite Holly Willoughby on the show hosted by Leigh Francis who shot to fame impersonating Mel on Bo Selecta.

8

8

8

She replaced Paddy McGuinness who joined the show in 2018 to replace outgoing original team captain Fearne Cotton.

The Sun revealed that the girls will hit the road for a huge world tour in 2021 to mark the band’s 25th anniversary.

Geri Horner, Mel B, Mel C and Emma Bunton will perform in America, Europe and Australia while also making a movie about their year.

A source close to Mel C said: “It’s going to be a huge year and the girls are excited.

“After all the coronavirus problems, there really needs to be something to look forward to and they want to take over 2021 with a tour.”

8

8

Insiders say Mel C has been one of the major driving forces in getting the show on the road, having completed her solo tour this year.

But she risked irritating her pals after being pictured recently with her phone ­displaying the Spice Girls Tour 21 WhatsApp group.

8

8

Most read in TV & Showbiz

CUTTING TIES

Hugh Jackman’s estranged wife Deborra-lee Furness FINALLY files for divorce

ROCK STAR GONE

Rock guitarist who had number 1 hit & worked with Cyndi Lauper dies

SPIKE HORROR

Reality TV star drugged, robbed & left unable to walk on night out in Majorca

BABY JOY

Reality couple pregnant with first baby two months after surprise engagement

A source added: “They are approaching 50 so they want to get out while they still look great for the fans.”

Last year’s reunion tour sold 700,000 tickets and made a £200million profit.

A source added: “It proved how high the demand is for more.”