Mel B is engaged to the Leeds hairdresser who restored her faith in men after 10 years of domestic abuse hell
MEL B is engaged to her boyfriend of three years, Rory McPhee, after his marriage proposal this week.
The Spice Girl, 47, was ‘overwhelmed’ when the Leeds-born hairdresser popped the question on Wednesday.
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And sources close to the star told how Rory36-year-old and long-time family friend, helped undo the damage done by her decade-long domestic abuse hell.
Brave Email spoke openly about how she was left “helpless” during her decade-long relationship with abusive ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.
But a source has told how Rory, who she started dating in 2018, has restored her faith in men.
Rory got down on one knee at the luxury country hotel Cliveden House, yucksto propose.
He gave her a £100,000 pear-shaped champagne-coloured diamond ring, encrusted with small champagne diamonds set on a rose gold band.
The source said: “Mel is so happy and it means so much to her because she’s been through so much.
“It took a long time for a man to trust him and believe in love again.
“Rory is from her hometown of Leeds, he’s known her for years. He’s the complete opposite of so many guys she’s had relationships with.
“He’s a really normal, down-to-earth guy with good character who’s worked incredibly hard to build his own business and a family business. He’s not flash, or interested in the limelight.
“He comes from a loving family and his best friend is Mel’s cousin Christian Cooke. He really took the time to understand what she’s been through. He’s madly in love with her.
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“A man is incredibly hard to trust after years of abuse, but he has shown his men can be caring, trustworthy and reliable.”
Friends say mum-of-three Mel “burst into tears” when Rory got on her knees.
One said: “She said ‘yes’ straight away. But it was incredibly emotional because after everything she’s been through, it was a really big moment for her.
According to sources, her eldest daughter Phoenix, 23, was the first person to know – and the rest of her family and all four Spice Girls were told the news. The source said: “All the Spice Girls have met Rory and love her.”
Mel, who was got an MBE this year for her work as patron of the domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, has been dating Rory since 2018 when they met through friends at THE — when they were photographed with top makeup artist Renee Camilleri.
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But the relationship became more serious the following year, when Mel returned to the UK for the 2019 Spice World Tour.
Rory, who works in the family hair salon in Leeds and her own salon, Lab Hair, accompanied her to Brooklyn BeckhamPalm Beach wedding earlier this year. And they were at an awards show in Manchester in May.
The source continued, “The ring is beautiful and Mel is thrilled with it. She couldn’t stop smiling.
The old-school proposal is a stark contrast to his previous relationship.
Belafonte, real name Stephen Stansbury, insisted on getting married in Vegas within six weeks of meeting – and Mel had to buy both wedding rings.
Mel, who has appeared as a judge on The X Factor and America’s Got Talent, was left on the verge of suicide after the “reign of terror” at the hands of her ex, whom she divorced in August 2018.
Last night a second source shared how Mel’s family and friends were ‘over the moon’. She found happiness with Rory.
They said: “They feel – like her – that she is safe with him, and what more could they ask for?”
The Life and Loves of a Spice Star
MARCH 1998: Mel starts dating dancer Jimmy Gulzar on the Spiceworld Tour.
MAY 13, 1998: The couple get engaged.
SEPTEMBER 13, 1998: Mel and Jimmy are getting married.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999: The girl Phoenix Chi was born.
JANUARY 1, 2000: They separate and Mel asks for the divorce.
FEBRUARY 9, 2000: Mel is related to Max Beesley.
DECEMBER 2002: Divided pair.
2003: Mel is related to Christine Crokos. They have been together for five years.
2006: Mel meets Eddie Murphy. She becomes pregnant but he wonders if the baby is his.
FEB 2007: Mel starts dating Stephen Belafonte.
APRIL 3, 2007: Mel’s daughter with Eddie, Angel Iris, is born and in June a paternity test confirms that he is a dad.
JUNE 6, 2007: Mel is married to Stephen Belafonte.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009: Birth of Mel’s third daughter, Madison.
DECEMBER 2016: Mel and Stephen split up.
MARCH 2017: Mel files for divorce, 16 days after dad Martin’s death.
Laura Armstrong: “Survivor’s story is so inspiring;
As a survivor of domestic violence, Mel B hasn’t just seen the worst a relationship can be — she’s experienced it in the most agonizing way possible.
She bore the bruises, both physical and emotional. She fought to get out of it.
So, how uplifting it is to hear that the Spice Girl is now enjoying a romantic relationship at its best.
Sources say her new fiancé Rory is caring, kind and supportive. Where ten years of abuse had destroyed it, he helped rebuild it.
He is said to be incredibly proud of campaign work which has seen her fight for the rights of those who suffer from domestic violence.
His voice gave many hope that they could escape their attackers. Today, she embodies new hope.
The hope that beyond the escape there can be a new, happier life – and the love, trust and respect of so many victims is denied.
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