Ellis-Bextor praises Halliwell

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has lavished praise on Geri Halliwell for being "the spirit of the Spice Girls".

The 'Catch You' singer is such a fan of the flame-haired pop star that she still owns a Ginger Spice doll.

She told Popjustice: "I think Geri was the spirit of the Spice Girls, actually. She had the right degree of camp, drive and feistiness. After she left they went all R&B and a bit serious and sexy. I think Geri has to be your favourite Spice Girl."