The Spice Girls are reportedly over the moon after their first comeback performances this week.

The fivesome took to the stage together for the first time in seven years on Thursday night at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles then recorded a video-link for the BBC’s Children in Need event on Friday night. The group performed Spice classic ‘Stop’ and new single ‘Headlines (Friendship never ends)’ on both occasions, dressed in 1950s-style military-inspired outfits for both appearances.

Speaking after Thursday’s show, Emma Bunton said it was “really emotional to be on stage together again”: “It evokes a lot of memories. We all had tears in our eyes. We’re so excited to be together again.”

Melanie Chisholm described the experience as “surreal but fantastic too. It feels like no time at all has passed since we were last on stage together.”

“We set ourselves a challenge to put together the best pop show by a British act ever. It’s a celebration of the past but it’s also about now.”

Geri Halliwell is quoted as saying: “It was just like the old days - only better.”

And Victoria Beckham added that they “couldn’t believe the reaction. It’s made us even more excited about the tour.”

“We feel more mature. We’re having fun and we’re really appreciating what we’re doing this time around.”

“Before, we were so busy and a lot younger. We couldn’t really appreciate what we had. We’re very, very lucky to be given a second chance.”

But fans were worried by the fact that despite being billed as live performances, both shows saw the women miming along to backing tracks. A spokesperson for the group explained yesterday: “The girls were never asked to sing live and the performance was recorded for a TV show. Rest assured the girls will be fully live for their first tour date next month.”