Mel C to star in Blood Brothers

Mel C is the first of the Spice Girls to star in a musical

Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm is to make her theatre debut in the West End production of Blood Brothers, it has been announced.

The 35-year-old will play Mrs Johnstone in the musical, about a pair of twins from Liverpool who are separated at birth and cross paths later in life.

Chisholm will replace former X Factor contestant Niki Evans in the role.

The singer will give her first performance on 26 October at London's Phoenix Theatre.

Chisholm is the first of the Spice Girls to tread the boards. She follows in the footsteps of Barbara Dickson, Kiki Dee and Carole King who have all played Mrs Johnstone.

She gave birth to her first child Scarlett in February with long-time partner Thomas Starr.