Mel C is having a family Christmas in Liverpool.

The former Spice Girls star finds it ''relaxing'' being out of London over the festive season and is looking forward to herself and five-year-old daughter Scarlet - whose father is her former boyfriend Thomas Starr - enjoying quality time with their extended family in her hometown in North West England.

She said: ''I'm taking my little girl to Liverpool for a family Christmas, which will be great as we'll get to see everyone. It's more relaxed up there - we can just chill out.''

As well as looking forward to the festive season, Mel, 40, is also excited about the day her former bandmate Emma Bunton finally marries fiancé Jade Jones.

She admitted: ''I don't think they've fixed a date yet. She just wants a rock on her finger! No, she and Jade are such a lovely couple, they're a beautiful family and really strong, so it'll be a big ol' ding-dong when they do it.''

And Mel joked that if the couple - who got engaged in 2011 after 13 years together - have herself and the other Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham, Mel B and Geri Halliwell, as bridesmaids, they should make them wear ''hideous'' outfits.

She laughed: ''She should make us look as hideous as possible - I'm so down for that.''