She was too ill to appear with the rest of The Spice Girls on the BBC's midweek National Lottery Draw. Sporty Spice, Mel C, told the show's audience: "Geri's not very well tonight - so get well soon Geri."

A spokesman for the band said Ginger Spice had a stomach virus, which could be the result of the band's hectic and rigorous over the last two weeks.

A report in a national newspaper said the band had had a row over Geri not singing on the show, but the spokesman denied this.

"Life on the road can be quite tough and she's been a bit run down over the last week or two.

"She had a stomach upset which turned into a virus and the doctor said she shouldn't do the show."

The band are due to sing in Norway today - organisers said as far as they were aware the concert would be going ahead as planned.