Emma Bunton, the iconic Baby Spice, is celebrating a monumental milestone as she turns 50 today, Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Once the youngest member of the world-conquering Spice Girls, she now embraces the title of 'Mid-life Spice' with grace and style, reflecting on an extraordinary career that redefined pop culture.
A Life of Girl Power and Global Fame
Emma shot to fame in 1996 as part of the Spice Girls, a group that sold over 100 million records and became the best-selling girl group in history. Under the visionary management of Simon Fuller, the band ignited a global phenomenon with hits like Wannabe and 2 Become 1, championing the mantra of Girl Power. Alongside Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, and Victoria Beckham, Emma helped secure five Brit Awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music award in 2000.
From Pop Stardom to Personal Passions
Beyond the Spice Girls, Emma has carved out a diverse and successful career. She signed a solo deal with Simon Fuller's label 19 in 2002, achieving a number one single with What Took You So Long and seven further top 10 hits. Her talents extended to television, with a cameo on Absolutely Fabulous in 2003 and a third-place finish in the 2006 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Since 2013, she has co-hosted the Feel Good Weekend Show on Heart Radio alongside Jamie Theakston, who praised her as a joyful and memorable colleague.
Family Life and Business Ventures
Emma is a devoted married mother-of-two, sharing her life with singer-songwriter Jade Jones, whom she met in 1998 and married in July 2021. Their sons, Beau, 18, and Tate, 14, are a central part of her world. She often reflects on her family's closeness, noting that her children take pride in her Spice Girls legacy. In 2018, Emma launched Kit & Kin, a sustainable business producing eco-friendly baby and cleaning products, demonstrating her commitment to environmental causes. She also authored the bestselling book Mama You Got This: A Little Helping Hand For New Parents in 2021.
Celebrating in Style and Giving Back
While Emma's specific plans for her 50th birthday remain under wraps, her love for celebration is well-known. She enjoys nights out at exclusive venues like The Restaurant in Mayfair's Mandarin Oriental and Soho House, as well as cosy evenings at home in North London with a takeaway. Her eclectic taste in food was showcased at her son Tate's lavish 13th birthday party in 2024, featuring dishes like miso soup and crispy duck salad.
Emma is also deeply committed to philanthropy, serving as an ambassador for inclusive theatre company Chickenshed and children's rights charity UNICEF. She has worked with The King's Trust and regularly supports BBC's Children in Need. A spokesperson for BBC Children in Need expressed heartfelt birthday wishes, highlighting her valued contributions.
Spice Girls Legacy and Future Reunion Hopes
Emma remains close to her fellow Spice Girls, attending events like Victoria Beckham's Netflix documentary premiere and publicly supporting them on social media. She has expressed enthusiasm for another reunion tour, noting that her children and fans are eager for more. The 2019 Spice World tour saw tickets sell out in just 38 seconds, underscoring the enduring demand. Emma cherishes her Spice Girls memorabilia, including costumes and platform shoes, which she still shares with her family.
As she enters her fifth decade, Emma Bunton continues to inspire with her resilience, talent, and dedication to both her career and charitable causes. From global pop icon to radio host and entrepreneur, her journey is a testament to the lasting impact of Girl Power.
