Spice Girls 'divided over album plans'

The Spice Girls are reportedly divided over plans to release a collection of unheard material.

The Mirror claims that both Mel B and Mel C have backed the idea to make some of the 60 recorded tracks available for fans. However, the two have faced opposition from their fellow bandmates.

Pregnant Victoria Beckham is said to want to focus on her fashion career, while Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton have sided with their manager Simon Fuller who has not given the LP his approval.

"From a possible 60 tracks, three or four would be gua­ranteed No1s and there's definitely a solid album's worth from the songs," a source told the paper. "Although such a release would generate millions, it's not about the money.

"Both Melanies want to open up the band to a new generation of fans and keep the memory of the Spice Girls alive. They also believe it's sound commercial sense to keep options open for new work down the line.

The source continued: "But Victoria has a hugely successful career as a designer and is pregnant. She'd rather distance herself from the group to concentrate on that. She's not keen to revisit the Spice Girls days. Also, if Simon Fuller doesn't feel the timing is right, Emma and Geri don't want to go against him. But it is safe to say this divide is causing friction within the group."

If it happens, the album's release could tie in with the launch of the Jennifer Saunders-written musical Viva Forever, which all five girls have backed.