Sporty Spice Mel C Marries Australian Model Chris Dingwall in Intimate Cumbria Ceremony

Melanie Jayne Chisholm, 52, the former Spice Girl known as Sporty Spice, married Australian model, actor and screenwriter Chris Dingwall on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The ceremony took place at Country House Cumbria, a country house venue in the Lake District, Northwest England.

According to the Mail on Sunday, the couple’s wedding was a small, understated affair. Chisholm’s bandmates – Geri Halliwell‑Horner (53), Melanie Brown/Mel B (51) and Emma Bunton (50) – were present. Lady Victoria Beckham (52) was absent because she was in the United States with her husband, Sir David Beckham, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A source told the paper that Beckham had designed the white, backless, floor‑length gown that Chisholm wore. The dress was a gift from Beckham, who expressed regret at not being able to attend.

The ceremony was attended by Chisholm’s 17‑year‑old daughter Scarlett, who served as a bridesmaid. Guests reportedly reacted with surprise when a herd of cows from a nearby farm ran toward the venue during the vows. The country house is owned by actor Ben Forster, 45, who starred with Chisholm in the 2013 musical Jesus Christ Superstar, and property developer Paul Longman.

Chisholm and Dingwall have been in a relationship for roughly two years. They met on the celebrity dating app Raya and made their partnership public in 2024. In a 2024 interview with the Life Uncut podcast, Chisholm described Dingwall as “very laid‑back” and noted their shared personalities and lifestyles. In 2022, Chisholm had said she had never wanted to marry, citing her parents’ separation as a reason for her reluctance. However, she later explained that her relationship with Dingwall had altered her perspective on marriage.

The couple did not issue a public statement or release a press announcement following the wedding. No engagement announcement had been made prior to the ceremony.

Chisholm’s career has spanned music, film, television and stage. She first rose to fame as a member of the Spice Girls in the mid‑1990s and has since released nine solo studio albums, the most recent of which, Sweat, debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart in May 2026. She has sold over 130 million records worldwide and has received numerous awards, including three World Music Awards and five Brit Awards.

Dingwall, born in 1999, is a model and actor who has worked in film and television. He has also written screenplays, though his most public work has been his modelling career.

The wedding’s location, Country House Cumbria, is known for hosting intimate ceremonies in a scenic setting. The venue’s owners, Forster and Longman, have maintained the property as a private residence and event space.

The event was described by attendees as “very classy” and “totally out of the way but in the most beautiful place.” The couple’s decision to hold a low‑key ceremony aligns with Chisholm’s own statements about preferring modest celebrations over large, flashy events.

No further details about the couple’s future plans have been released. The wedding was the first public confirmation of their marriage.

The marriage marks a significant personal milestone for Chisholm, who has been open about her evolving views on marriage and relationships. The ceremony also highlighted the continued camaraderie among former Spice Girls members, who attended to support their colleague.

The wedding took place amid a broader trend of celebrity couples opting for intimate, private ceremonies rather than high‑profile public celebrations. The choice of a country house venue and a modest guest list reflects this shift.

In summary, Melanie Chisholm and Chris Dingwall tied the knot on July 18, 2026, at Country House Cumbria. The ceremony was attended by Chisholm’s bandmates and daughter, while Victoria Beckham’s absence was noted. The wedding was a private affair with no public announcement, and it represents a new chapter in Chisholm’s personal life.