ORIGINAL SPICE GIRLS MEMBER RECALLS AUDITION 30 YEARS ON

Lianne Morgan, from Cowbridge in Vale of Glamorgan, was selected as an original member of Touch, the group that later became the Spice Girls, in auditions at Nomis Studios in London during the 1990s. She joined Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie B in the ensemble. Morgan was replaced before the group's breakthrough, with Mel C joining instead when Morgan was deemed too old at 23 years of age compared to other members. Thirty years later, Morgan has recalled her experience in the band and the moment she first encountered their eventual hit single Wannabe.

Morgan described observing the group performing the song on Top of the Pops after returning from work on a cruise ship. She recalled considering whether to contact the members to offer congratulations, but ultimately decided against it, fearing they would not remember her. During her time in Touch, Morgan said she was selected because she possessed the qualities the group sought: she was a singer and dancer "with an edge and confidence". She had performed in Welsh social clubs and other venues, skills she believed set her apart in the audition process.

Morgan characterised each band member's personality and abilities from her perspective at the time. She described Geri Halliwell as standing out among the group and being grounded, whilst Victoria Beckham was "very quiet and shy" and expressed reluctance about singing, stating she was a dancer rather than a vocalist. Melanie B impressed Morgan with her confidence and vocal ability, though Morgan noted the member was very young when selected. Morgan is now aged 55 and a mother of two.