Spice Girls defend miming at show

The Spice Girls

The Spice Girls have hit back after they were criticised for miming during Thursday night's comeback performance.

The band took to the stage for the first time since announcing their reunion at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.

They wore military outfits on the catwalk while performing their 1998 hit 'Stop', before re- emerging in ballgowns for new single 'Headlines'.

The show was recorded and will be aired on US television on December 4.

A spokesman for the group said: "The girls were never asked to perform live as their performance was recorded for the TV show.

"But rest assured the girls will be fully live for their opening tour date on December 2."

The Spice Girls' Greatest Hits album was released on Monday.