After Geri Halliwell's dramatic exit from the band, the girls were left under-staffed, if not under-powered.

Now the four remaining Spice Girls will be joined by top tenor Luciano Pavarotti, their host at a charity concert in his home town of Modena.

Geri making her last performance with the Spice Girls on Top of the Pops

He will sing Viva Forever, their forthcoming single, alongside them at the concert.

At the rehearsal, the four Spice Girls said they were "excited about the future," and pledged to carry on touring but refused to comment about Geri Halliwell's departure.

Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion and Jon Bon Jovi are among the other stars who will also be performing at the concert.

Pavarotti is patron of the War Child charity, which has raised at least £3.5m through concerts and CD sales. Other patrons include David Bowie and Brian Eno.