There's a lot of bad pop in the charts right now, and as a Spice Girl, you are to blame. Discuss?

I guess we are. Sorry. But it's a stupid business at the end of the day, and when something as big as the Spice Girls comes along, loads of people jump on the bandwagon. So there's lots of good stuff but lots of crap as well. I love Britney, Backstreet Boys, even though they've been around as long as we have.

The Spice Girls have just finished their third album. Was it easy to get back together after so long and all the solo projects?

Albums are never easy. It's a very creative and fulfilling time, but it's also very frustrating because you just want to express yourself, and some days that's easier than others.

Obviously there's nothing to prove saleswise, but did you ever wonder whether people actually wtill want another Spice Girls album?

Not at all, we never worry about that. As long as we believe in what we're doing and we like it, that's all that matters.

Have you bumped into Geri Halliwell since she left the band?

A couple of times. The first was a radio show in Manchester. There was all this hype like "Oh, will they meet?" but there's been nothing bad there. We just haven't seen each other for a while because she's been promoting her record. Obviously we don't have the same circle of friends any more, but I still love her. We've been through a lot together and we'll always be friends.

Was it awkward?

Not at all, it was lovely to catch up. It's not only Geri, I know her family and lots of people in her life, so it was nice to catch up on what they're doing, too.

What do the rest of the Spice Girls' solo projects sound like?

I heard some of Victoria's stuff. It's quite different - they all are. Mel B's is more hip-hop influenced; that'll be out soon. The rest are out next year. Emma's is pop but she's gone a bit folky, our Emma, and Victoria's is quite soul-like but still pop.

Have you started work on a follow-up to your solo album Northern Star?

I've got about 50 pads all over the house I scribble stuff down on; lyrics, sounds, people to work with.

Such as?

I'd like to use Glen Ballard, who did the No Doubt album. I'd like to write with Pat Leonard, who wrote with Madonna. Plus I'd use lots of the same guys fro the last album. And I'd love to work with Lenny Kravitz. But everything happens fatalistically when people are in the same town at the same time.

But surely being Melanie C means you can make things happen?

I'd be naive to say no, but everyone who has worked with me has believed in my work.

Do you hang out with Madonna?

Actually, I went to dinner with her a month ago. She's very busy.

Do you talk shop?

No. We just talk about normal things that friends talk about.

Does having a No. 1 as a solo act feel different from having one with the Spice Girls?

It's more personal. You feel a little more responsible for it. But they're both very special.

The b-side to your last single contained the lyric: "You were doing crunches, I was on a stationery bike". That's pretty Sporty.

Yeah, that's inspired by someone who used to work as a trainer at my gym. I was very fond of him, and that inspired me to write a song. I like having everyday lyrics so people can relate to them.

What was the last topic you wrote lyrics about?

Well, I've been quite inspired by the press. There's a lot of anger in their direction.

So you might be the new Alanis Morissette?

A bit more Fiona Apple. But there's room for every emotion in music.

Who's the weirdest person to whom you've been romantically linked?

My personal assistant. That was crazy. She's one of my best friends, but it's also a purely platonic relationship. I've also been linked to a lot of footballers, who are usually just friends.

Is there any truth in the rumor you used to date Robbie Williams?

Er, Robbie and I do have a past, but it's a long time ago now. I bumped into him the other night. We have a bit of a chuckle about it. We did go out a few times, but it was a good three years ago.

Have you had any more tattoos done recently?

Yeah, just a small one on my hand. It's a star, my northern star. My friend was getting one and I couldn't leave the parlour without getting one.

Is it true you want to be the female Bruce Willis and get into action films?

I was asked if I'd consider doing a movie and I said I'd love to save the world like Bruce Willis or Sly Stallone. Bruce is my hero, but I'm not touting for it. Victoria gets the most scripts because she's been very public about wanting to act. I'm more serious about my music. And I'm a crap actress.