WANNABE NICE GIRLS
Spice Girls set to tone down their un-PC lyrics for upcoming tour
The four pop princesses have held meetings ahead of their reunion tour next year to discuss tweaking the lyrics to their politically incorrect hits
THE Spice Girls held fraught discussions over fears one of their iconic song lyrics is now politically incorrect.
We can reveal ahead of their comeback tour next year the girlband — Mel B, Melanie C, Emma Bunton and Geri Horner — are in talks to change “yellow man in Timbuktu” from their No1 hit Spice Up Your Life.
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In particular, Mel B and Melanie C locked horns over whether the 1997 release should be tweaked, with the latter suggesting the line could become “happy people in Timbuktu”.
A source said: “The original lyric was meant to be a bit of fun and never intended to be offensive.
However, the world has moved on considerably since the song was released.
“The reality is it’s not acceptable to say that now. Some of the girls feel uncomfortable getting up on stage and performing that lyric, especially when they have such a diverse and multicultural fanbase.
“They pride themselves on standing for inclusivity, so they don’t want to run the risk of offending anybody.”
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The four-piece — minus Victoria Beckham — announced last month that they will be doing a reunion tour, with the first date at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on May 27.
Now the Wannabe hitmakers are assessing the rest of their back catalogue to ensure there aren’t any more insensitive lyrics. The source added: “In light of the #MeToo era, they are being extra-cautious.
“They don’t want anything to overshadow their reunion for the wrong reasons.” And admittedly, there are some rather saucy lyrics the girls may not feel comfortable singing now they are all mums in their forties.
For example, Mel B sings in First Time Lover: “First bite whet my appetite, second helping’s always better, started getting burning hot.”
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While in 2 Become 1, Emma sings about having safe sex with her partner: “Be a little bit wiser, Baby, put it on, put it on, ’cause tonight is the night, when two become one.”
We can also reveal that the Spice Girls’ tour rehearsals are in jeopardy, after Mel B broke three ribs and needed a three-hour operation following a mystery accident earlier this month.
A source added: “It is estimated she will take eight to 12 weeks to fully heal, which sets them back massively.”
We hope Mel will be back in her platform boots in next to no time.
Bebe suited to Marilyn's look
Bebe Rexha clearly believes Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
The pop star channelled Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 classic comedy as she wore shocking-pink satin, large hoop earrings and red lipstick to the NBC studios for an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show.
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Sharing snaps of her outfit on Instagram, Bebe explained: “With my look I was going for, ‘Girly’ meets ‘I mean business’ – and I can crush your dreams with my stilettos but I’m really a sweet person unless you do me wrong.”
Bebe is celebrating landing her first Grammy nomination since bursting on to the scene in 2013.
Her Best New Artist rivals, who include Dua Lipa and Jorja Smith, will be watching out for any flying stilettos if they trump Bebe at the music bash come February.
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Dani's ABs fab
Dani Dyer is not yet in full couch potato mode.
The Love Island champ, right, has a new fitness- gear range, including this ab-tastic two-piece, ready for when the nation can’t bear the sight of any more pigs-in-blankets.
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Dani, currently starring in Nativity: The Musical with dad Danny, launches the range for In The Style next month. Her first clothing line for the brand debuted in September as part of a £500,000 deal.
Fella Jack Fincham will be getting something stretchy in his stocking.
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Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer confirm they're back on as they play with their dog Sandy in the garden
DOLLY PARTON
AFTER 59 years in showbiz, DOLLY PARTON has weighed in with her view on the mistreatment of women in Hollywood.
She said: “One of my new songs is called Hey Boss – it’s kind of about #MeToo. I don’t want to get into the political end, but I’ve always been about empowering women.”
'Blocked' Jack has pop at Louis label
When Louis Tomlinson blows out his birthday candles tomorrow he’ll maybe wish for better luck for his music label.
The X Factor judge, who looked bleary-eyed on a night out with his sister in London on Friday, has no acts attached to his Triple Strings music label – after ditching former X Factor star Jack Walton.
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Jack, right, has claimed his time there left him seeking therapy for anxiety and depression after he was “blocked” from releasing any music. In an exclusive chat, Jack said: “I was in the studios for a year – but nothing got released.
“I was told to keep a low profile – a bit controlled. I was like, ‘F*****g hell. This is s**t’.”
Jack details his ordeal in new song Kept Me Safe on label House Of Nanchang, with the album set to drop next year.
A source close to Louis insists he has big plans for the label next year. We hope that any future signings go in a different direction.
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Caroline eyes dry spell
Caroline Flack is cutting more toxic things out of her life.
After announcing yesterday she has finally binned love-rat fiance Andrew Brady, we can reveal Caroline has given up alcohol, too.
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The telly presenter’s life overhaul comes a month after Andrew called an ambulance to her house, when Caroline, left, had allegedly threatened to kill herself following a boozy row.
A source said: “Caroline is on a mission – New Year, new start. She wants people talking about her for the right reasons, rather than her rollercoaster love-life.
“She’s staying sober so she can focus on her role as Roxy in (West End musical) Chicago. It means she can have a clear head and put perspective on everything.”
Being an independent, single woman should keep her spirits up.
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Caroline Flack gives fans sneak preview of Chicago The Musical rehearsals
It's romancing on ice
Holly Willoughby and her Dancing On Ice co-host Phillip Schofield want to see rows and romps in the new series.
Gemma Collins, Brian McFadden and Corrie’s Jane Danson are among those hitting the ice from Sunday, January 6, and Holly said: “I want there to be a romance. Wouldn’t it be great?
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“I’ve set quite a few people up in the past and caused marriages and very successful relationships.”
Phil added: “A good row is great. I’m looking forward to seeing James Jordan, who told me, ‘The judges are professionals, I’ll respect what they say’. That’s going to last a week.
“Me and Holly will step back and let it happen . . . and if it’s not happening, I might poke it a little bit.”
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Gemma Collins shows off her dramatic weight loss at the Dancing On Ice launch
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Admirer goes on the Atack
Emily Atack just failed to win I’m A Celeb – but she proved a hit for one mystery man.
Our exclusive snaps, below, show the jungle runner-up getting a massage from a handsome stranger on a night out at a boozer in London on Thursday.
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After revealing he was a physiotherapist, Emily’s admirer then offered to show off his nifty handiwork to the former Inbetweeners star.
An onlooker said: “He offered to buy them all drinks, he was very generous and she looked to be getting on very well with him.
“She cuddled him as they stood up together and then when she sat down he started to give her a massage. She was enjoying herself and made lots of facial expressions.
“Sadly, there wasn’t anything romantic in it from Emily’s side and he left without getting her number.”
At least it means Jamie Redknapp is still in with a chance.
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I'm a Celebrity winner Emily Atack says Celebrity Juice would be her 'dream job'
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