Geri Halliwell declared "pop is my first love" as she revealed her excitement at releasing a comeback album.

The former Spice Girl - who has launched a range of Union flag clothing for Next to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year - revealed she is delighted to be returning to music.

Geri said: "I am very excited. I am in the studio, I've been mastering my album, so I'm really excited.

"My pop career is about to come back. It's my first love."

The 39-year-old singer - who has tried her hand at writing children's books as well as fashion - released her last solo album in 2005 before taking part in the Spice Girls reunion tour.

The Spice Girls' hits are being made into a new West End musical. Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders is writing the story for the musical which is called Viva Forever and is being produced by the team behind hit show Mamma Mia! - which featured music from Abba.

Geri said: "The Spice Girls Musical is coming along nicely. The storyline is brilliant - of course fantastic music. Hopefully it will make everyone smile and relive the past but feel good today about it.

"It think it's coming at the end of 2012 or beginning of 2013."