Emma Bunton has forked out $1.5 million (GBP1 million) just so she can live close to her mother.

The pop star formerly known as BABY SPICE has put a bid - twice the asking price - on a futuristic beach house in the seaside village of Pagham, West Sussex, England, so she can be close to her mum.

A source close to the singer, who is rumoured to be back with on-off lover Jade Jones, discloses, "Emma has fallen in love with the house and is determined to have an offer accepted.

"Her mum lives along the road a bit and she's always visiting and loves the area."