On the 31st May 1998 Spice Girl fans around the world were left devastated.
Geri Horner née Halliwell announced that she was leaving the girl group and would no longer be performing as Ginger Spice.
She decided that she was saying goodbye to bandmates Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Melanie C and Mel B as she didn't wannabe part of the ensemble four years on from when they formed in 1994.
Before Geri officially announced she was ditching Posh, Baby, Sporty and Scary she had aroused suspicion that she was planning to dash off as she was absent from a number of performances.
As the anniversary of Geri quitting the mega group nears here is a reminder of how she broke the bombshell news and the hours leading up to the momentous moment in music history.
On the last day of May 22-years-ago the group revealed that they would be sharing a statement at 2pm.
They shared that the special message would be read outside their London based solicitors offices and invited press to attend.
Later that day, at around 2:30 pm, Geri's solicitor Julian Turton of Lee & Thompson solicitors was joined by Alan Edwards, a spokesman for the Spice Girls, outside the venue - where it was told that Geri "left" the Spice Girls due to "differences."
Turton read on behalf of Geri: "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best... PS, I'll be back."
Afterwards an announcement was shared on behalf of four members of the group.
It told that they were "upset and saddened" but planned to continue on their planned USA tour- which was nine days away.
Confirming that it was not the end of the group they added: "The Spice Girls are here to stay ... Friendship never ends".
When the Spice Girls formed in the early nineties Geri quickly became a leader figure in the band after the five were put together - at 21, she was the oldest and had a personality to be reckoned with so naturally many worried that her leaving would soon mean the rest of the band would follow suit.
Two years later they did and 2000 the band ended.
In 2019 Spice Girls fans rejoiced as the women reunited for a special tour - minus Victoria who declined the invitation to storm the stage again.
And during their stint back in front of the crowds Geri apologised for quitting the band all those years ago.
She issued an on-stage apology to her fellow Spice Girls for 'leaving the band' over 20 years previously.
The Spice Girls closed their UK tour with a sold-out three-night run at Wembley Stadium and Geri was feeling reflective after joining Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm for their long-awaited reunion.
Between songs, she said: "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left. I was just being a brat.
"I want to say it's just so good to be back with the girls that I love."
After the tour wrapped Geri also posted an emotional video online in which she thanked everyone involved in the tour.
"So we're done. It's done," she said.
"Thirteen stadiums, Almost 700,000 people with three amazing women I've shared that stage with.
"I want to say thank you to Melanie, Melanie and Emma and everybody who showed up for us. It has been something that I will never ever forget. Thank you so much. Big love from the Spice World."
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