It is thought that the socialite - whose dad is former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev - was introduced to Geri by Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich and his ex-wife Irina, with whom she is friendly. 

Geri behind Spice Girls reunion? - July 3 2007
Geri Halliwell is reportedly the driving force behind the Spice Girls reunion.

The flame-haired singer was forced to get the girls to settle their differences - and win back the trust of Victoria Beckham, who was left seething after Geri quit the group in May 1998.

A source told The Sun: "Geri began getting in contact with Victoria again in 2004. She knew how hurt Victoria was but she also knew how to push the right buttons.

"Geri broke down in front of Victoria, apologised for leaving the band in the way she did and begged for her forgiveness.

"She also told Victoria how awful her life was at the time. She was lonely, confused, didn’t have a man and didn’t even have a place to call home. Victoria started to feel sorry for Geri."

The girls rekindled their relationship - and Geri even asked Posh to be godmother to daughter Bluebell Madonna.


Geri splashes out on gift for Mel - June 27 2007
Geri Halliwell has apparently splashed out £7,000 on a diamond necklace for her former Spice pal Mel B.

The singer bought Mel the pendant after DNA tests proved her baby daughter is Eddie Murphy’s child, reports the Daily Star.

Mel has always insisted two-month-old Angel Iris was fathered by the Hollywood actor, but he contested the claims after they split when the former Scary Spice was pregnant.

The singer’s rep has now told People magazine that the results confirm the actor is the baby’s dad.

"Geri was so made up for Mel she wanted to get her something special," a source told the Star. "She had a word with a designer pal of hers and made a special necklace consisting of the best diamonds and white gold."

Meanwhile, the Spice Girls will make an official announcement about their "future plans" this week.

Geri, Mel, Victoria, Mel C and Emma will make their announcement on Thursday, following recent speculation about a new album and a concert tour.


Geri wants dress back? - June 16 2007
Geri Halliwell is anxious to get her infamous Union Jack dress back, it seems - so she can wear it for the Spice Girls reunion.

The frock that Ginger Spice wore at the Brit Awards in 1997 has gone down in pop history - and now a decade later Geri is desperate to reclaim it, according to The Sun.

After the group split up, she sold it for a staggering £41,000 to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas - and now she wants Simon Fuller to try and retrieve it.

An insider said: "Geri has told the reunion team she wants to wear the dress on stage again. It can’t be a copy, it has to be the real thing. It could cost a bob or two to get back but she wants them to pay whatever it takes.

"Borrowing it isn’t really an option as it may need some altering. Geri is a bit less curvy than she was in 1997.

"The girls want their new shows to feel current, to reflect how they’ve all moved on since the band split.

"But these shows will be on a massive scale, with lots of costume changes. Geri’s dress would fit nicely with a section where they all return to their original look.