Mel B wants to have a baby this year

The former Spice Girl raises three children with her husband Stephen Belafonte ' her daughters, Phoenix, 12, and Angel, three, from previous relationships and his six-year-old daughter Giselle ' but the couple are keen to have a child together.

Mel said: ''m always broody. Hopefully, I'm going to be pregnant by the end of this year, or, if not, next year. I love kids.'

Mel and Stephen had been friends for several years before embarking on a romantic relationship, and the 35-year-old star believes their earlier bond is the key to why they have such a strong marriage.

She told Reveal magazine: 'What's the key to a happy marriage? I married my best friend. We've been mates for 10 years.

't was never awkward because we knew each other so well. I can see how it could be awkward, but for us it was just funny.'

The reality TV star was previously wed to backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar ' who is Phoenix's father ' and has had relationships with British actor Max Beesley, singer Peter Andre and Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, who is Angel's dad.