Emma Bunton, forever known to millions as Baby Spice, is preparing to celebrate a landmark birthday. The iconic singer turns 50 on Wednesday, 21 January, marking a transition from the band's youngest member to a celebrated mid-life entertainer, businesswoman, and devoted mother.
From Global Stardom to Family Life
Emma Bunton shot to fame in 1996 as part of the history-making Spice Girls. Managed initially by Simon Fuller, the group became the best-selling girl group of all time, shifting over 100 million records. With anthems like 'Wannabe' and '2 Become 1', they championed Girl Power and secured nine UK number-one singles, including three consecutive Christmas chart-toppers.
Her life since the band's initial split in 2001 has been multifaceted. She launched a successful solo career, scoring a number-one single with 'What Took You So Long' in 2002. Beyond music, she came third in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, authored the parenting book Mama You Got This, and founded the sustainable brand Kit & Kin. Since 2013, she has co-hosted the Feel Good Weekend Show on Heart Radio with Jamie Theakston.
At home in North London, life revolves around her family. She married longtime partner, singer-songwriter Jade Jones of the band Damage, in July 2021. They are parents to sons Beau, 18, and Tate, 14. "We’re very close and we spend a lot of time at home together," Emma has said. She even keeps her classic Spice Girls costumes and Buffalo platform shoes, which she occasionally shows her fascinated children.
Party Plans and Reunion Dreams
While her exact 50th birthday plans remain under wraps, Emma is no stranger to a celebratory night out. She's been spotted enjoying venues like The Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair and Soho House. A video from a friend's birthday in November 2025, featuring Christine Lampard and Holly Willoughby, showcased her love for "sushi, baby Guinness, cake and girlfriends!".
However, the topic sending fans into a frenzy is the potential for another Spice Girls reunion. Emma has openly discussed it, stating, "My kids would love another Spice Girls tour too. A reunion. And it is something that us as the Spice Girls talk about a lot." The demand is undeniable; when the group reformed for the 2019 Spice World tour, the first London date sold out in a mere 38 seconds.
She remains close to her former bandmates, recently attending Victoria Beckham's Netflix premiere and publicly wishing Mel C a happy birthday. The music clearly endures. "If someone plays Wannabe at a party, I’ll be on the dance floor," she told ITV's This Morning. "The kids are now listening to it, and there’s a whole new generation coming through."
A Legacy of Glamour and Giving Back
Emma Bunton's life has been a whirlwind of celebrity encounters, from meeting Nelson Mandela and the late Queen Elizabeth II to interviewing modern superstars like Taylor Swift. Yet, she balances this with candidness about real-life experiences like menopause and a steadfast commitment to charity.
She is a dedicated ambassador for UNICEF UK and the inclusive theatre company Chickenshed, and a long-time supporter of BBC Children in Need and The King's Trust (formerly The Prince's Trust). Both charities have publicly extended their warm birthday wishes to their valued supporter.
From defining a pop era as Baby Spice to building a lasting legacy as Emma Bunton, her 50th year celebrates a journey of incredible success, enduring friendships, and a powerful, ongoing connection with fans across generations.
