Victoria Beckham ’embarrassed as past comes back to haunt her’

Spice Girls fans were in a frenzy last week when it was reported that, not only were the band reuniting for 2024's Glastonbury Festival, but the other members of the group had managed to lure back Victoria Beckham to perform for the first time in 15 years.

However, just hours later, sources close to the designer shot down the claims, saying the 49-year-old wanted to concentrate on her fashion label and had no plans to step into her old role of Posh Spice.

The source said, “She has sadly been hugely ridiculed when she has sung in the past. She's a different person now. She looks back fondly on her years in the Spice Girls – they were very special to her – so she hasn’t ruled out a one-off celebration, maybe, at some point.”

The announcement resulted in a barrage of criticism for the mum-of-four, as one fan sniped, “Thank God for that, she never sang anyhow.” While another asked, ”How did she ever get in the group in the first place?” Another added, “She never really sang in the Spice Girls. She was there as window dressing.”

Now, another source exclusively tells OK! that Victoria has been upset by the speculation and subsequent backlash, which has brought back painful memories for her.

“When she was in the band her singing ability was always a hot topic. Although she's the first to admit herself that she isn’t the strongest vocalist that doesn’t mean it isn’t hurtful,” says our source. “She doesn’t want to subject herself to the same criticism. She’s been there before and now wants to distance herself.”

Talent manager Chris Herbert gave Posh a score of five out of 10 for her singing when she auditioned for the band in 1994, but then chose her because there was “something striking” about her.

Victoria also once recalled having her microphone turned off during live performances, saying, “They used to turn it off and just let the others sing. I got the last laugh – and now my mic is well and truly on, finally,” hinting at her successful post-band career.

Our source adds, “In some ways she feels as though she is being haunted by the past every time a Spice Girls reunion is brought up. She can’t help but feel embarrassed and humiliated by the new comments.

“She doesn’t want to be painted as the one who can’t sing again and feel like she did before. She is a perfectionist and likes to be seen that way. She doesn’t want to look bad. She’s moved on, she has a family and her fashion brand.”

The Spice Girls – Victoria, Geri Horner, 50, Mel B, 48, Emma Bunton, 47, and Mel C, 49 – had nine UK No.1 hits and became a global pop phenomenon.

It wasn’t always plain sailing, though, as the five were known for their infighting almost as much as they were for their inspirational message of girl power.

“We fight, we argue, we make up. It’s always been like that. It’s been like that with all five of us over the years,” Mel B recalled. From physical brawls to wars of words, the bandmates have had their fair share of bust-ups, in which Victoria was sometimes involved.

One gripe was about her lack of desire to return to the group, who toured without her in 2019 and were said to have been disappointed when she didn’t attend any of the shows.

In 2000, the band took a hiatus, which lasted until 2007. All five returned for a reunion tour in 2007 and they last performed
as a five-piece at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

After finding fame in the band, Victoria married footballer David Beckham, now 48, in 1999, and they are parents to sons Brooklyn, 24, Romeo, 20, Cruz, 18, and 12-year-old daughter Harper.

“David has a lot going on with work at the moment, and Victoria doesn’t want them to be apart more than they have to,” said our source. “Victoria wants to concentrate on the family. Especially after a bit of a rough patch with Brooklyn and Nicola.”

Brooklyn married American actress Nicola Peltz in April 2022, but in the run-up to the event there were rumours of a “feud” when Nicola, 28, did not wear a wedding dress designed by Victoria. However, Nicola later strongly refuted the claims of a feud in a magazine interview.

Plus, Victoria’s fashion brand has gone through tough times in recent years, but it has now turned a profit and remains
her focus.

While 2024 will mark 30 years of the Spice Girls, it’s also a personal milestone for Victoria, who turns 50 next April. She will no doubt be looking to enjoy her special birthday alongside her nearest and dearest.

“Turning 50 has definitely impacted her decision not to join the band,” our source said. “She wants to celebrate it with family and thinks she’ll be opening herself to lots of criticism, which she doesn’t need at the age of 50.”