Mel C: 'My daughter saved me from depression'

Mel C has claimed that the birth of her daughter "saved" her from depression and eating disorders.

The former Spice Girl admitted that her battles with body issues and clinical depression in her 20s became a distant memory following the arrival of Scarlet, her first child with longterm partner Thomas Starr, in 2009.

Speaking to She Magazine, the 37-year-old explained: "Scarlet hasn't just changed my life, she's saved it. I worried that I might not be able to cope with motherhood but she's given me a fresh start.

"As my bump grew the more proud I became of my body and suddenly I felt more comfortable eating healthily."

Speaking of the origin of her issues during her time in the Spice Girls, she added: "I felt like I wasn't in control of my life, I was public property and I was fixated on my body image. I was stereotyped as the aggressive masculine tomboy, which wasn't me at all. Controlling my food was my way of fighting back and not feeling powerless."

Mel C previously insisted that she had become a "better person" since giving birth, adding: "I'm truly having a ball now this little person is in my life. She gives me so much joy but it has really surprised me how much having her has affected and changed me."

The 'Headlines' singer also confessed to feeling like she could "achieve anything" with Scarlet in her life.