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Joel Leaver & Monde Mwitumwa

Mel B 'engaged to Leeds hairdresser' who 'restored her trust in men'

Spice Girls Mel B has decided to take the next stop in her relationship with boyfriend Rory McPhee as she reportedly got engaged to him last week.

The 47-year-old nicknamed Scary Spice in the pop group, has been with Rory for three years and "burst into tears" when her hairdresser beau popped the big question.

The Leeds-born hairdresser is said to have chosen the luxury country hotel Cliveden House in Berkshire for his romantic proposal, reports Mirror Online.

READ MORE: Spice Girls 2023 tour confirmed by Mel B as she tells fans 'we are back'

Rory was even said to have presented her with a £100,000 pear-shaped, diamond ring, according to sources close to the couple.

Mel - who has had a number of high profile relationships over the course of her career - is said to have been "overwhelmed" by the proposal from her partner Rory.

Speaking to the Sun, a source close to the couple said: “Mel is so happy and this is such a big deal for her because she has been though such a lot. It has taken a huge amount for a man to get her to trust him and to believe in love again.

"Rory is from her home town Leeds, he’s known her for years. He’s the absolute opposite of so many of the guys she had relationships with.”

Describing him as a “normal, down-to-earth-guy” the source also added that he was perfect for Mel as he wasn’t “flash” or “interested in the limelight.”

It also helped that he is a close friend of Melanie’s cousin, Christian Cooke – with both of their families having enjoyed a good rapport over the years.

The source said Mel is "thrilled" with the champagne-coloured ring, which is said to have been encrusted with smaller diamonds that were set on a rose gold band.

They added that her eldest daughter Phoenix, 23, was the first person to be told — and the rest of her family and all four Spice Girls were let in on the news. The source said: “All the Spice Girls have met Rory and like him.”

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