Spice Girls' fans remain faithful

Thousands of loyal Spice Girls fans flocked to London's 02 Arena for the group's first UK performance in nine years.

The girls opened their 17 gig tour on Saturday night in front of an 18,000 strong crowd.

Hardcore fans gave the show rave reviews but it received a mixed response from the critics, with some questioning their vocal ability.

The loudest screams throughout the show were for Victoria Beckham, who is not famed for her prowess as a singer.

The girls matched the audience's enthusiasm for their return to the UK, telling the crowd: "It's so good to be home."

Some fans complained about the arena's poor sound quality, which made it difficult to make out what the girls were saying between songs - but the band thanked "our loyal fans who have never ever let us go".

The group's reunion tour began earlier this month in Vancouver.

However, they have no plans to resume their Spice Girls careers full-time, saying the shows really are a one off.

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