Melanie brown

What would you say you’ve learned about yourself through all this?

I’m resilient. Excited to celebrate with you really soon.”

Brown’s three daughters acted as bridesmaids; her eldest, Phoenix, 26, is from her first marriage to dancer Jimmy Gulzar (1998-2000), second daughter Angel Iris, 18, is from a relationship with comedian Eddie Murphy and youngest, Madison, 13, is with ex-husband Stephen Belafonte (2007-2017).

She thought that throughout most of my relationship, I didn’t want to speak to her or want her in my life. Up until two years ago, I was like, “You can find somebody else. Because I’m better than that.

How have your Spice Girls “sisters” factored into your journey?

Because I was on tour toward the end of my relationship, I was very much guarded.

I go up to my farm without my phone so my kids or fiancé can’t contact me unless they come all the way up to [a different] field. I had to live with my mum [Andrea] during Covid, which, looking back, was a beautiful thing because [I] had nowhere to go. “That’s how far along I was in the whole situation of self-loathing, guilt, embarrassment.”

Brown eventually found the strength to leave the relationship she was in and, in 2019, moved back home to Leeds, England.

I think women in general are resilient. My kids are delighted.

I make space to be able to breathe and feel and sit.

It must have been incredibly satisfying to buy your own home in Leeds.

I left my relationship with barely any money in the bank and little idea of where my money had all gone. Her next steps: therapy, rebuilding… and happiness! I was all about my kids, making sure they [were] OK and on their healing journey.

And then what? “I’ve managed to figure out my little road to a peaceful place.” The star talks to Us about healing after heartbreak.

Was the invitation to come back to AGT a serendipitous moment for you?

Oh, definitely, because I’m in a much better place.

I miss my dad.

Do you think there’s anything you’ll do differently in your 50s?

I’m getting to know myself more and more. When I left my ex, I cut my hair off and dyed it blonde. At some point, I want to set up my own foundation [to help women and especially survivors of abuse].

While Brown works extensively with Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk) abroad, you can find resources and support in the U.S.

via the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE or thehotline.org)

For more on Brown, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.