November 21, 1999

Wannabe Pals?

-RUMOR ALERT-

Geri Halliwell has made an emotional plea to her old band the Spice Girls to bury the hatchet and become friends again, I can reveal.

One-time Ginger Spice, who pipped Emma Bunton to the No 1 spot two weeks ago with Lift Me Up, has been in contact with all the members of group.

Geri, 27, rang Emma, 23, twice last week asking her to forget the past and what had gone on. The millionaire star said she hoped there were no hard feelings about her winning the battle of the Spice Girls.

She has also called Sporty Spice Mel C and put out feelers to Scary Spice Mel G.

And she had a hush-hush dinner date with Posh Spice Victoria Adams and David Beckham in the South of France.

Singer Geri and the rest of the best-selling band had hardly spoken since she quit a year and a half ago, 18 months after their first hit Wannabe.

At the time they said it was over "artistic differences".

But a friend said: "Geri and the girls go back a long time. Now she feels it is time to start talking and seeing each other again."

November 13, 1999

What A Sham

It was fun while it lasted, but now the Ginger love affair that never was is over. At the end of one of the most ludicrous - but successful - publicity stunts of recent times, Geri Halliwell finally gave the game away at the MTV awards in Dublin last night. Not on stage, where she joked about a weekend that ended with her being carried home in a drunken stupor after celebrating the No 1 hit that made it all worthwhile, but in a passing comment backstage.

Mingling with record company executives, she was inevitably quizzed about the alleged romance with Chris Evans that has gripped the tabloids for a week.

It took just seven words to blow the facade apart as Geri responded wearily: "It was nothing to do with me."

Her words confirmed what many had suspected. The saga had begun on the day her single and the RAJAR listening figures were both released. By the end, her single Lift Me Up had hit the top at the expense of fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, but the news that Evans' Virgin Radio station is losing listeners remained obscured.

It was time for the publicist she shares with Evans - PR guru Matthew Freud - to "break" the news that it was all over. The official reason was that Evans did not want to be tied down and Geri was furious that he had been supposedly caught "canoodling" with his radio cohort and former lover Holly "Hotlips" Samos in the lavatories of a restaurant. Others might conclude that, just as his former girlfriend Suzy Aplin had predicted in a newspaper from the start, once the job was done it would be brought to a swift end.

For all that, it was a stylish swansong. Geri made her appearance in a see-through black dress slit to the waist and no bra, sporting curly blonde hair extensions, and took the stage to a Jerry Springer-style chorus of "Ge-ree, Ge-ree" from the 3,000-strong crowd at The Point. She made no reference to the supposed break-up, saying only: "You need to be a bit gentle with me because I am feeling a little bit fragile from my weekend. But we all need an excuse to party."

Then, as soon as she had presented the best dance trophy to Fatboy Slim, she was off, avoiding 300 journalists waiting to interview her. Within hours, The Sun was proclaiming the end of the affair.

There's No Spice Left Out of this Girl

IT was a good effort, but it seems Geri Halliwell just can't help going back to her Spice Girl roots. Her demure new look was dumped big-time as she squeezed into a gown that left almost nothing to the imagination at last night's MTV Europe awards. The see-through plunge-front dress, split to the thigh, harked back to her Spice Girls days when Geri hit the headlines as much for her ever-rising hemline as her singing. Since quitting the band, Geri had cultivated a fresh image befitting a United Nations goodwill ambassador. Out went the heavy make-up, fiery red hair, platform shoes and Union Jack mini-skirt. In came a natural look and the kind of outfits Julie Andrews might wear. But since the 27-year-old chart-topper's solo career has taken off so have her clothes. Yesterday the transformation back to Ginger Spice was complete. One onlooker at the ceremony in Dublin said: "It was the old Geri back again. She was in her element. "She's lost weight and looked fabulous. All eyes were on her and she knew it. She revelled in being the centre of attention."

Chris Cheats on Geri with Hotlips

CHRIS EVANS and Geri Halliwell were trying to patch things up yesterday after he was caught canoodling in a toilet with ex-lover Holly "Hotlips" Samos.

Chris and Geri, who have only been dating for three weeks, had a row when Chris failed to go home after a booze bender with pals.

During the 12-hour binge the group went to the opening of swanky new London restaurant Sugar Reef.

Chris, 33, went to the men's loo, followed moments later by Holly. A member of the restaurant's staff walked in on the couple and spotted them "canoodling".

While Chris was out on the razz, Geri, 27, waited alone at his luxury home in Belgravia, Central London.

Yesterday the couple were reunited at her Berkshire home and were talking about the future of their relationship.

But friends said Geri was willing to forgive Chris for his indiscretion and even laugh about it.

The pair rowed on Tuesday when Chris told Geri he wanted to spend the day boozing with his pals.

He hinted at his problems yesterday when he asked listeners to his Virgin Radio show to ring in on the subject. He said: "What is it that women want from men, because we just can't get it right?"

Last night a close friend of the couple said: "Chris admits he has messed up a bit. He and Geri had a row on Tuesday and he went out on the town with his friends.

"As usual he had far too much to drink and when they got to Sugar Reef he and Holly disappeared into the men's toilets. A member of staff caught them canoodling and both were very red-faced.

"There was a TV crew in the building and the staff were desperately trying to keep them away from the loos.

"Geri was concerned where Chris was because he didn't come home and ended up in a hotel room with the Virgin sports presenter Webbo. It's all a bit embarrassing.

"Fortunately for Chris, Geri is in a forgiving mood. He's gone over to her house in Berkshire to apologise and try to iron things out.

"Geri knew Chris was a boozer when they started going out, but she didn't expect him to return to his old ways quite so soon."

Yesterday, Chris confessed on his Virgin Radio show: "I'm in so much trouble. I woke up in a hotel room this morning with the sports presenter lying in bed next to me - who happens to be a bloke." Chris and Holly, 28, dated in 1995. They first met when he took her on for work experience when she was 18.

He turned to her for love after breaking up with lover Alison Ward and they were soon enjoying secret sex romps. But they split after two months when they realised they got on better as friends.

But he regularly flirts with her on air, often commenting on her 34B boobs. On his show this week he said: "She's the perfect woman - she's one of the lads. She falls asleep after sex like most blokes do." And two years ago, she told The Sun: "I love him dearly. We adore each other."

Last week, The Sun exclusively revealed that Chris was secretly bedding Geri after a whirlwind romance.

She had been spotted taking her dog for early-morning walks outside media tycoon Chris's home and they have been inseparable since. Cynics had suggested that the two Gingers, whose publicity is handled by the same firm, Freud Communications, had teamed up as a stunt to promote her single Lift Me Up.

It beat Spice Girl rival Emma Bunton's song What I Am to the No1 spot on Sunday.

Chris and Geri's friendship dates back to when she quit the Spice Girls in May last year. She was seen at his home seeking advice.

Chris recently split with his on-off girlfriend, telly producer Suzi Aplin, 30. Earlier this year Geri said she was celibate after a string of failed romances. One ex, salesman Giovanni Laporta, boasted his motive was to be able to say he had bedded a Spice Girl.

Geri also dated dancer Christian Storm, but he dumped her for All Saints' Shaznay Lewis.

Polish stripper Emilio Kosinsky claimed he had a five-hour romp with Geri. She then ditched posh polo-playing Jamie Morrison because he was "boring".

Geri On the Slide

GERI HALLIWELL'S reign over the charts with Lift Me Up could last just a week.

Despite all the hype about her latest single the exSpice Girl, said to be dating radio boss Chris Evans, is sure to be toppled by superstar Robbie Williams.

The pop king has already sold a whopping 28,596 copies of his double A-side It's Only Us/She's The One.

Secret industry figures show Geri's disc has slipped to No2 in midweek, having sold 19,200 copies. Emma Bunton's solo single went in at No2 but has fallen six places.

A music insider said: "It'll take something special to stop Robbie."

November 9, 1999

Ferrari Too Hot For Geri

LOVE-STRUCK Geri Halliwell brought chaos to London's King's Road when she gingerly drove boyfriend Chris Evans's steel-grey Ferrari back to his flat.

After picking up a ticket for parking on a yellow line, chart-topper Geri drove the beast of a motor - laden with shopping - at an extremely sedate pace, prompting angry horn-blasts from other road users.

Geri just smiled and waved as she made her stately progress through the streets on Saturday afternoon.

One onlooker said: "I don't think she'd driven a car that powerful before - it's a bit of an animal."

Ginger Towers

Ginger lovebirds Chris Evans and Geri Halliwell have set their hearts on this fabulous pounds 6.5 million love nest.

The couple have both made trips to view Denham Place - a few miles from Geri's current home - since their romance began three weeks ago.

As The Mirror revealed last week, the former Spice Girl is having a passionate affair with multi-millionaire TV and radio star Evans, 33.

He has told pals he is "besotted" with the singer and is eager for them to set up home together.

The Virgin Radio boss first visited the Grade 1- listed 18th Century mansion two weeks ago.

"He spent ages wandering around," a workman on the estate told The Mirror.

"He clearly loved the place - let's face it, anyone would - and kept saying `It's perfect. Just perfect.' "

The TFI Friday presenter's inspection was followed a week later with a visit by pop singer Geri, 27.

The workman said: "She had a good nose around too. We thought it was weird because we know Geri already has a huge home in the area.

"It made no sense for her to buy another place so close by - then we read that she was dating Chris Evans and it all fitted into place." Last night one of Evans's aides confirmed: "Geri and Chris have both visited Denham Place. They have talked about buying a home together, a home that has no previous history for either of them."

"The sheer size of the estate also makes it perfect as a country base for Chris's business interests."

The estate, which boasts three lakes, came on the market two months ago at pounds 5 million for the house alone or pounds 6.5 million including outhouses and five workers' cottages. The mansion has scores of rooms, including its own chapel.

Spice One Geri

POP beauty Geri Halliwell and new love Chris Evans celebrated last night after she clinched the No. 1 slot in the battle of the Spice Girls.

She beat Emma Bunton into second place by selling 10,000 more copies of her single Lift Me Up in one of the hardest-fought chart battles in years.

Geri, 27, and Chris, 33, toasted her success - and their whirlwind romance - at a lavish party at London's Home House.

"I'm delighted, it's been an amazing week," said the former Ginger Spice.

"We'll have a small celebration, but I'd like to thank all my fans for their great support." Geri and friends drank champagne and nibbled on canapes as they took over the exclusive club for the evening.

Baby Spice Emma, 23, had been favourite to reach No. 1. Her single, a cover version of Edie Brickell's 1989 hit What I Am, is her first solo release.

The pair both insisted the head-to-head battle - the fiercest since Blur beat Oasis to No. 1 in 1995 - was not deliberate.

But friends say Geri is privately "very pleased", especially after comments made about her new romance by the other Spice Girls last week.

An aide said: "She thought the girls were out of order because they believed people who said her relationship with Chris was just a publicity stunt."

November 7, 1999

Chris Offers a Gingerly Slice To Geri

Lovestruck Virgin Radio tycoon Chris Evans is to give Geri Halliwell an amazing £7 million engagement gift.

Multi-millionaire Chris, 33, has promised her a slice of his giant business empire to seal their romance.

The couple are also looking to set up home together and have asked a number of estate agents to find them a £2 million dream love-nest in the country.

Evans, who is worth a massive £160 million, has offered Geri an eight per cent stake of his £85 million share in Virgin Radio as a "gift of love".

He thinks the former Ginger Spice - straight in at No 1 today with Lift Me Up - would be great for the station's image. And he wants her as his partner in every sense of the word.

He feels Geri, 25, would be ideal for the station's profile because she has a great head for business.

But pals feel his heart is ruling his head.

A friend said: "Chris is deadly serious - it's no stunt.

"He knows Geri's a smart cookie and can promote and market projects.

"But some friends feel the relationship is in its early stages and he should wait and see how it develops first before throwing his money away. He can be impulsive."

-THE lovebirds were spotted out on the town in London's trendy Soho on Friday night. Geri looked happy and relaxed.

Guess Who Is Number One?

Geri Halliwell is throwing a party tonight at trendy London club Home House to celebrate beating Baby Spice Emma Bunton to the No 1 spot.

At close of business yesterday Geri's single Lift Me Up was almost 10,000 sales ahead of Emma's debut What I Am. Chris Evans is expected to join the celebrations.

November 4, 1999

Spicers Have a Dig on the Gingers

Spice Girls star Mel C had a dig at her former bandmate Geri Halliwell over her romance with TV star Chris Evans today and said: "Ooh, imagine the kids."

But Mel and her bandmates were reluctant to talk about "the gingers" as they launched a new book while the world mulled over whether the fling was merely a publicity stunt.

However, Mel said: "If it's true, congratulations and good luck."

A source close to Halliwell confirmed today that she and Evans are an item. He said cagily: "They are seeing each other. They have been together for a few weeks."

Both ginger-haired stars were keeping tight-lipped on the subject today while appearing on separate radio shows as their private lives went public.

The source claimed it was a coincidence their affair became known in the same week that Halliwell was bidding for a number one single, against her former Spice Girls rival Emma Bunton.

Evans, 33, made an indirect reference to the romance on air this morning at his Virgin Radio station, describing a report about Halliwell having no luck with men as being "yesterday's news".

Halliwell, 27, is reported to have been seen taking her dog for early morning walks near Evans' home in Belgravia, central London.

She has spoken publicly of her loneliness since her last relationship ended, telling a recent video awards ceremony: "I need a man."

Evans went into work at Virgin Radio in London this morning by a back entrance, avoiding reporters.

His co-presenters refused to comment on the romance as they arrived for work. Dan McGrath said with a smile: "I can't possibly talk about things like that.

Halliwell appeared on radio station Kiss 100 this morning, but questions about the romance were barred.

Presenter Bam Bam told PA News: "She was due to be on air at 9am for an hour but she came in at ten to nine and we were told no questions about Emma Bunton, no Chris Evans and I'm out of here at 9 o'clock.

"When I handed over to the newsreader KY he asked her `so are you shagging Chris Evans then?'. She was going to walk out, but she stayed. She didn't answer though."

Instead she gave her tips on stress relief - taking off shoes and walking in the park.

The singer did refer to a "new friend", but would not elaborate.

During the morning, a chauffeur arrived at Virgin Radio's central London studios, with a dog thought to Geri's shih-tzu Harry which was taken inside the building and later driven away.

Both Evans - boss of the Ginger Media Group - and Halliwell share the same publicity company.

She has been in publicity overdrive throughout this week in a bid to clinch her second number one with new single Lift Me Up.

Halliwell has long been in awe of Evans and in her autobiography wrote about being a huge fan of the DJ and presenter.

In her book, If Only, she wrote about how crestfallen she felt after Evans snubbed an early bid by the Spice Girls to appear on his TFI Friday show on Channel 4, and how he mocked a demo tape she had sent to The Big Breakfast when he was the presenter.

The four remaining Spice Girls gave a rare press conference today on the day their new book, Forever Spice, was launched.

The question that preoccupied all waiting reporters was parried within seconds.

"We're here to talk about the book, not about the gingers," said Mel C.

The girls joked with each other and answered questions, albeit with little enthusiasm - with Mel G exclaiming "I'm bored" midway through the proceedings.

Halliwell is still heading the race for the number one single this week with a lead of around 5,000 - according to midweek chart figures - over Emma's debut single, a version of Edie Brickell's What I Am.

Chart expert Jason Legg of HMV said: "They're still very close, so it could be overturned. But if I had to stick my neck out I'd say Geri will hold on."

Halliwell's third single, Lift Me Up, has sold about 60,000 copies and would become her second solo chart-topper.

Both acts are way ahead of their nearest contender, R Kelly, who is expected to be at number three.

Asked about the chart battle today, Emma said: "I just enjoy the whole process of making music and for me chart positions are a bonus."

The Girls reiterated there were no plans to call it a day for the group, despite their individual projects.

"We've got lots to do whether you like it or not," said Emma.

Mel C, who has just completed a solo world tour, pointed out: "I've been all over the place, to Australia and Japan, and I'd say the fans for the Spice Girls are as strong as ever."

Baby Spice Emma tonight said that Evans had been pestering her for a date while he was seeing her former bandmate Geri.

"I've had nine calls from Chris myself," she told The Sun.

"He rang over the weekend asking me out for a drink - but I refused."

Emma, 23, described Evans as a "great bloke" and said she wished the couple all the best.

But she added: "He'd better treat her right and look after her properly."

Geri May Win the Race

SHE has smooched Kylie Minogue on TV, talked candidly about a secret sex orgy and opened her heart about her battle with bulimia.

She even stood up the Queen. And last night it looked as if Geri Halliwell's publicity drive has paid off - so far.

The former Ginger Spice has sold more copies of her latest single than her rival, Baby Spice Emma Bun-ton, record industry sources reveal. Ac-cording to mid-week sales figures, Lift Me Up has sold about 43,000 copies.Emma, whose cover version of Eddie Bric-kell's What I Am is her first solo venture, has sold about 34,000. Talk of a chart war between them has obviously paid off for both.

Ginger Lovers

VIRGIN Radio boss Chris Evans and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell are passionately in love.

The nation's best known redheads fell into each others arms three weeks ago.

Since then, Geri has been a constant overnight guest at Evans' pounds 1.5million London home.

The couple have been platonic friends for more than two years. But over the past month their friendship has blossomed.

Throughout their secret romance Geri has insisted that she didn't have a man in her life.

And despite his high profile, Evans - who is used to having his every move chronicled in minute detail - has managed to keep the affair under wraps.

Last night, a close friend of the couple revealed: ''Both Chris and Geri have been careful to keep their relationship out of the limelight.

''It's been three weeks now and they are both blissfully happy. They are like a couple of teenagers - they can't keep their hands off each other.

''It's early days yet. But they are both single - who knows what this could lead to. If they do get married and have children there'll be no prizes for guessing what colour the child's hair will be!''

Last Friday, 27-year-old Geri appeared as a guest on Chris's TFI Friday Channel 4 show. After the programme the couple joined friends and went out for a drink before heading back to Evans' home.

Both stars have been though a series of stormy relationships.

In 1991, he tied the knot with radio producer Carol McGiffen, but the marriage only lasted two years after she grew tired of his womanising and over-zealous work ethic.

Evans also has a 12-year-old daughter, Jade, from his relationship with former lover Alison Ward.

More recently the star has had a tempestuous on-off relationship with his TFI producer Suzi Aplin. He started dating her after ditching former girlfriend Rachel Tatton Brown.

However, Evans ended the romance with Suzi weeks before he started dating Geri.

Last week, the couple were ''all over each other'' at Zilli Fish restaurant owned by Evans' latest business partner Aldo Zilli. Evans and Zilli plan to open three posh new eateries, two in London and one on Portugal's Algarve.

Geri Halliwell, who quit the Spice Girls 16 months ago, has not had a serious relationship since she became a star.

She had a brief three-week fling with double-glazing mogul Giovanni Laporta.

Months after the bitter split with Laporta, a despondant Geri said: ''I've not had sex for over nine months because I can't trust a man any more.

''Every time I have slept with a guy he does a kiss-and-tell in the newspapers and ends up revealing to the world my most intimate secrets. I'm not saying there isn't a man I've wanted to take to bed - but I just haven't been able to go through with it.

"I really, really miss love making - but it's a price worth paying at the moment.

''People must think I am a sex maniac from what they read about me, but the fact is I am celibate and very happy.

''Things are so hectic I am just happy to curl up on the sofa at night and read a book."

Some 14 months later she started dating 22-year-old polo player Jamie Morrison, the son of Internet millionaire Bryan Morrison. However, it lasted barely a month before Geri called time on thew ill-fated relationship.

Geri then hooked up with Spice Girls dancer Christian Horsfall on the band's mammoth world tour in 1998 - another affair that lasted a few weeks.

In her autobiography, If Only, Geri admits to be something of a loser in love.

She said: ''All my relationships in the previous past years had been at vulnerable moments or when I was bored.

"They had lasted three weeks or three months. It was almost a pattern. It would probably take a shrink to sort out the reason.''

Evans has been linked with a string of beautiful women but friends claim his dates with the likes of Ulrika Jonsson and Anthea Turner were platonic.

A TFI insider said: "If a gorgeous woman is seen dining out with Chris or drunkenly snogging him in a bar, everyone assumes they've become an item.

"But that's nonsense. Chris is mates with loads of people but until Geri, his only serious relationship has been with Suzi.

The couple, who both very wealthy, are unlikely to find themselves squabbling over who pays the dinner bill.

Halliwell's fortune, amassed in less than four years, is said to top the pounds 20million mark. She was listed as the 10th richest woman in Britain in a recent survey.

Evans, meanwhile, is is valued at a staggering pounds 160million thanks to his Ginger Media Group company and his shrewd takeover of Virgin Radio.

Geri had a long-time fixation with Evans and was absolutely devastated he poked fun at the Spice Girls and refused to play any of their songs.

Geri and the girls were finally invited on to TFI Friday to perform their first hit Wannabe, but he said the group were nothing more than a silly teen band.

But the pair became closer and when Geri quit the band in May 1998, she paid Chris a secret visit to discuss her future.

"Don't Buy Either Singles" Says Geri

From WENN correspondent Melanie Bromley in London Geri Halliwell is going head-to-head with former bandmate Emma in the British charts - but she's telling kids not to buy either single.

The artist formerly known as Ginger has released her single Lift Me Up this week, on the same day that Emma Bunton's What I Am hit the shops.

But Geri says all she can think about is the young fans who will have to decide which singer to spend their pocket money on.

She says, "The reality is all fun, but we should think of the fans. That twelve-year-old girl has got to choose when she's only got four quid ($6) pocket money. Maybe she should just go and buy a dance record instead." And Geri says she's trying not to think too much about whether her song will hit the top spot - even though she's feeling lucky.

She adds, "Could be, might not be, who knows, it's in the hands of the gods. All I know is I'm very proud of what I've done. "I wrote the song myself and I just feel lucky - I could be working in a factory.

there are times like this when everyone makes a big deal about what we're doing and you just think `we're all so lucky.'"

Geri..Nude Again?

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell would consider baring all for classy glamour magazine PLAYBOY - if the fee was $1.6 million (£1 million).

The upbeat performer has already appeared once on the cover of the mag, when a freelance photographer sold a pictures of her dating from her pre-Spice modelling days.

Halliwell says, "Never say never. Don't forget I've already been down that road and a million pounds is an awful lot of money." But the Look At Me singer has reservations about her body, despite a recent fitness regime that left her figure in prime condition.

She adds, "I don't think my boobs will ever look as good as when I was 18 years old."

Sorry Your Majesty

Pop star Geri Halliwell kept royalty waiting tonight as a record signing for her new single made her late for a royal reception.

Signing copies of the single Lift Me Up at HMV in London's Oxford Circus for more than 40 minutes, the 27-year-old multi-millionaire told 2,000 screaming fans: "I'm keeping the Queen waiting. I was supposed to be at Buckingham Palace an hour ago but I'm keeping her waiting because I wanted to see you."

She was due to attend a reception in aid of The Prince's Trust hosted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace at 6pm.

Clad in a skin-tight brown leather catsuit and with her waist-length ginger hair flowing behind her she bounced onto a makeshift stage at the store as her version of the James Bond theme tune Live And Let Die, which is the B side of her new release, played in the background.

A beaming Geri, who asked fans to pray for a hit, said: "I'm here for the fans. Without you I'm nothing. I owe it all to you."

Lift Me Up is the third release from her album Schizophonic and pitches her in a head-to-head battle for chart supremacy with her former Spice Girl colleague Emma Bunton.

Emma released her single What I Am, which was recorded with the band Tin Tin Out, today.

Gennaro Castaldo of HMV said: "Geri is in a Spice war with Emma but is trying to play that down.

"It is Emma's debut single and she does not have an album out and if anything is going to swing it for her it is that. Geri already has an album out and many people who have bought that may not want to buy this single.

"But Geri is winning the publicity war. She has been on more TV programmes and done more interviews. Every single record she signs and sells here today will help her to be number one. It could be as close as that."

Geri is now enjoying a successful solo career launched after her abrupt departure from the Spice Girls in May 1998.

She notched up her first solo number one in August with Mi Chico Latino. Her first solo single Look At Me went to number two despite a huge marketing campaign.

Geri attacked the record companies for allegedly exploiting fans by allowing her single to be released on the same day as Emma's.

She said: "I think that we should be responsible about that because that little kid has to part with four quid and making them decide is really wicked, I think. That is like choosing between two parents."