Viva Forever, a musical based on the best-selling girl group of the 1990s, will open in London on Nov. 5, 2010, according to new reports. Named after their 1998 No.1 hit, the musical is currently in pre-production and being written by Kim Fuller — who also penned the script for the group’s 1997 film Spiceworld. Kim is the brother of former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller.

Viva Forever will chronicle the rise of the groups five members, Geri Halliwell, Mel B, Victoria Beckham, Mel C and Emma Bunton, with the help of 14 of the band’s biggest hits.

“They stand for so much in British music history and I can’t think of a better time for them to get back together for another performance. The demand for them as a band is as strong as ever,” Fuller said.

“They will not want to be performing hits like Wannabe in their 40s, but it’’s amazing how often people talk about another reunion. And I think if they do it, it’’s going to be in 2012.”

The event will be seen by an estimated two billion people. The most successful British bands since ‘The Beatles, The Spice Girls has sold more than 65 million records worldwide. In 2007, the hitmakers briefly returned for a reunion tour.

“The girls would have to work intensely on a TV show for a short period of time. But they then launch a musical which could run for months or even years. It will take on a life of its own. The concept could even be replicated in other countries. The sky is the limit with this one,” an insider divulged to The Sun.

The show – rumoured to be called Spice Idol – will see the singers sit on an American Idol-style judging panel.

“This is an idea which appeals to all of the original members,” added the source. “It’’s a fantastic new way to broaden out the Spice franchise and cash in on their personalities, their story and their songs.”

This is almost as bad as another reunion tour!

Insiders claim Geri Halliwell a.k.a. Ginger Spice is producing the theatrical version of the band’s rise to fame as the most successful girl group of the 1990s. Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham will also help select the actresses playing them.

“The project is Geri’s baby really but all the girls are backing it,” a tipster tells The Mirror. “The idea is for five relatively unknown actresses to take the parts and hopefully the girls will each have a say in who is cast,” the source added.

Meet the new spice in Melanie Chisholm’s life.

The former Spice Girl, 35, who gave birth to daughter Scarlet Starr last month, posted the baby photo on her MySpace Celebrity profile Tuesday, and writes on her Web site that she’s “hopeful that any media interest will be satisfied and future privacy respected.”

Any proceeds from the picture will be donated to charity.

Scarlet is the first child for Mel C and her boyfriend of six years, Thomas Starr. She’s a cutie!

The bus featured in the Spice Girls’ 1997 film Spiceworld is up for auction on eBay.

“Originally built to the order of the East Midlands company for services in Nottinghamshire, this bus was eventually acquired for use as a film prop in the Spice Girls film, being driven by Meat Loaf,” the auction listing reads.

“The interior views seen in the film were all recorded in a studio set, only the front entrance and the outside of the bus were used and changed for the filming… It is hoped to restore this bus and present inside the lower deck, a small tribute to the famous five.”

Another Spice Kid is on the way. Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm, 34, has confirmed that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Thomas Starr.

Melanie Brown is preparing for the June premiere of her new reality talent competition, The Singing Office. Co-hosted by N’Sync’s Joey Fatone, The Singing Office is a new series that gives average co-workers the chance to sing their way to $50,000.

The Singing Office premieres on Sunday June 29th at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.

Melanie Brown will feature a duet with Rhythm Nation star Janet Jackson on her long-awaited forthcoming sophomore album.

“I not scared of having another try,” the singer formerly known as Scary Spice told the British press on Tuesday. “I am working with the best producers ever. I am now ten tracks in to my new record. I am doing something with Janet Jackson which should be amazing. I am also going to hook up with Missy again.”

Victoria Beckham is auctioning off the sleek and shiny costumes she sported on 2007’s Spice Girls Reunion Tour to raise $2 million for charity. The Roberto Cavalli-designed duds on the auction block include a micro-minidress encrusted with $500,000 worth of crystal diamonds, sparkling leggings, and a shocking gold corset V.B used to wow concert crowds on tour.

“Victoria is putting together various ideas for the sale. She would consider offers from individuals – for the right price. It’s time for any high-rollers out there to get their cheque books out,” a rep for the pop singer says.

Details of the charity auction will be announced at a later date.