Melanie 'Mel C' Chisholm, 52, from Whiston, Liverpool, married her partner, Australian model and screenwriter Chris Dingwall, on Saturday, 18 July 2026. The Spice Girls star surprised many fans who were unaware she had a partner.
How They Met
The couple initially connected in 2023 on the exclusive, celebrity-focused dating app Raya. At the time, Mel lived in London while Chris was based in Sydney, Australia. Mel downloaded the app after friends convinced her during a night out, a game they called 'boy Bingo'.
Mel met Chris face-to-face on November 23, 2023, in Sydney. She had just arrived for her Australian DJ tour and stayed awake all day to push through jet lag for their dinner date.
The Proposal
Chris proposed during a holiday in Mallorca, Spain, in July 2025. After returning to their hotel suite following a lengthy tasting menu and wine pairing, Mel walked into a room filled with romantic candlelight. Having previously stated for years that she never wanted to marry, Mel said she was completely 'floored' and surprised by the proposal.
Their Relationship
Mel describes Chris as a 'real gentle soul' with a calming, laid-back energy. They share similar lifestyles and frequently work out together. Chris integrated seamlessly into life with Mel and her 17-year-old daughter, Scarlet, whom she shares with ex-partner Thomas Starr.
The Wedding
The couple first legally wed in a civil ceremony in Australia a few days before traveling to the UK for their primary celebration. They hosted an intimate, rustic countryside wedding at a converted Georgian manor in Castle Carrock, Cumbria, in the Lake District. Mel opted for a low-key, classy affair over a massive celebrity spectacle. Her daughter, Scarlet, served as her bridesmaid.
Mel's Spice Girls bandmates Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Mel B attended. Victoria Beckham was unable to attend due to commitments at the World Cup in the United States but sent a custom backless white gown from her label as a gift. Mel referred to the dress as her 'something borrowed'.
Social Media
Video clips from the wedding were shared on Instagram on British Vogue's official account. In the caption, Mel said she had never dreamed about getting married but had 'an awakening' in her fifties. She said that when her husband proposed, she 'knew it was the right thing to do'.
