Actress Alexandra Mardell has only just started her ascent into stardom, having joined the cast of Coronation Street just over a year ago.
But ED! can reveal that the soap star, 25, has rubbed shoulders with showbiz royalty ever since she was a baby.
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In fact, Alexandra, who prefers to be called Ali, has some very famous friends indeed – the Spice Girls!
Ali’s mum is good friends with Melanie Brown’s mother Andrea, and Ali grew up surrounded by the famous girlband.
She recently shared a handful of family photos, in which she can be seen as a (rather grumpy) toddler at the same barbecue as Mel B and Geri Halliwell.
Sorting through old photos. Anyone spot @GeriHalliwell?? #girlpower #goodolddays pic.twitter.com/RcrjTzPcJt
— Alexandra Mardell (@asmardell27) February 29, 2016
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Ali is sitting on the lap of her adoring father, who sadly passed away three years ago from cardiomyopathy.
In the background, a very young Geri Horner – aka Ginger Spice – can be seen smiling at the camera. Another shot shows Mel B cuddling Ali, who could be no more than two years old.
The Corrie star, who portrays ditzy apprentice hairdresser Emma Brooker, recently reunited with her family friends when she saw the Spice Girls perform at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
The young actress shared lots of pictures from behind the scenes of the group’s reunion tour date, including photos with every Spice Girl member.
Mel is seen kissing Ali, proving they are still close after being brought up in Leeds together.
Ali wrote: “Loved every second of @spicegirls. I sang every word, danced every step and got to catch up with so many with gorgeous friends!
“So lovely to be able to celebrate together for @officialmelb birthday! Best night ever. I will forever #wannabeaspicegirl.”
Ali recently shared another throwback photo with Baby Spice Emma Bunton where she even suggested that the blonde was her fave Spice Girl and NOT family friend Mel.
Alongside a then and now style snap 20 years apart, Ali wrote: “Emma Bunton 20 years later! And even more gorgeous! #babyspice #favourite #remake #spicegirls.”
Understandably, one fan reacted to the adorable photo by saying: “This is the most melting cuteness photo ever!”
We can’t help but agree!
@EmmaBunton 20 years later! And even more gorgeous! #babyspice #favourite #remake #okmagazine #spicegirls pic.twitter.com/t8YT1U2ylr
— Alexandra Mardell (@asmardell27) March 25, 2017
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