Spice Girls: who is Rory McPhee as Mel B gets engaged to Leeds hairdresser after three years of dating?

Melanie Brown is reportedly set to marry her boyfriend of three years Rory McPhee.

The former Spice Girl, 47, who lives in Leeds, told The Sun that Rory got down on one knee in a romantic proposal on Wednesday.

It has been claimed that the hairdresser, 36, popped the question with a £100,000 diamond ring at the luxury country hotel Cliveden House, in Berkshire.

Mel B admitted that she was “overwhelmed” during the proposal and burst into tears of joy, as this comes after she reportedly endured 10-years of domestic abuse at the hands of ex-husband, Stephen Belafont.

A source close to the singer revealed that Rory is a long-time family friend that has helped the former America’s Got Talent judge heal from her abusive former relationship.

The pair, who were first linked in 2019, have been regularly spotted around Leeds taking their new rottweiler and Mel’s Yorkshire Terrier for their walks.

An insider claimed that the proposal was “incredibly emotional” and Mel said “yes” immediately, while another added that it has “taken a huge amount” for the singer to trust and love again.

The source added: "It’s incredibly hard to trust a man after years of abuse but he has shown her men can be caring, trustworthy and reliable.”

The newly engaged couple have reportedly known each other for years and Rory is said to be the absolute opposite of the men Mel has previously had relationships with.

Rory, who is best friends with Melanie’s cousin, actor Christian Cooke, has taken his time to understand the sensitive discussion around her former marriage.

He has worked hard to build his own business and has been described as “a really normal, down-to-earth guy, with good morals.”

The hairdresser claims to not be interested in being in the limelight or becoming famous in any way.

The pair allegedly first met in 2018, through friends in Los Angeles, however, their relationship only became more serious the following year, when Mel returned to the UK to begin the Spice Girls reunion tour.

Spice Girls Scary Spice broke up with her former husband, Stephen Belafonte in 2017, after he alledgedly emotionally and physically abused her during their 10-year marriage - a claim that Belafonte has repeatedly denied.

After Mel’s divorce was finalised, she began to work with domestic violence charity, Women’s Aid, to help others who have suffered from abusive relationships.

Earlier this year, Mel B was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charitable causes and vulnerable women.