Emma Bunton, affectionately known as "Baby Spice" from the iconic Spice Girls, has navigated a romantic journey that, while often private, has seen its share of public speculation and, ultimately, a profound, enduring partnership. Her love life, much like her career, has evolved from the whirlwind of 90s fame to a settled family life, culminating in a long-awaited marriage to her soulmate, Jade Jones.
In the early days of her Spice Girls fame, Bunton was, like her bandmates, subject to numerous rumors and links to other celebrities. One such widely circulated, though ultimately unconfirmed, rumor involved a brief connection with Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio in 1997. While some reports suggested a fleeting fling, Bunton herself later clarified that while "all of us girls were linked to lots of celebrities back in the day," the DiCaprio link was more of a "good one" in the sense of a notable rumor, rather than a confirmed romance. She reportedly stated he was "a bit boy-y" for her.
Following this period, Bunton was linked to Lee Brennan of the boy band 911 in 1997. This relationship was an early, albeit brief, public connection for the burgeoning pop star.
Her most significant and enduring relationship began in 1998 when she met Jade Jones, then the lead singer of the R&B boy band Damage. Their connection was immediate, with Bunton reportedly falling in love at first sight. However, the pressures of their burgeoning careers led to their first split in 1999. During this brief separation, Bunton was reported to have dated footballer Rio Ferdinand from 1999 to 2000. This relationship was widely reported in the British press at the time.
Bunton and Jones rekindled their romance in 2000, but their reconciliation was short-lived, and they broke up again in 2002. During this second period apart, Bunton was rumored to have had a brief fling with American singer Justin Timberlake in 2003. These unconfirmed reports circulated in the media, adding to the speculation surrounding her romantic life.
Despite the on-again, off-again nature of their early relationship, Emma Bunton and Jade Jones found their way back to each other, reuniting for good in 2004. This time, their bond proved to be unbreakable. Their relationship deepened, and they welcomed their first child, son Beau Lee Jones, on August 10, 2007.
After a decade of dating and the birth of their first child, Jones proposed to Bunton in January 2011. Bunton proudly announced their engagement on Twitter, sharing her joy with fans. Later that year, they expanded their family with the arrival of their second son, Tate Lee Jones, born on May 6, 2011. Despite their long engagement and the birth of their children, the couple often stated they felt no pressure to marry, emphasizing that their commitment to each other was already strong.
Over the years, speculation about their wedding date was frequent, with Emma often stating that a private ceremony was their preference. In March 2019, reports surfaced that they had picked up a marriage license, but a wedding did not immediately materialize. Finally, after more than two decades together and a 15-year engagement, Emma Bunton and Jade Jones surprised fans by secretly tying the knot on July 13, 2021.
The intimate ceremony was held with only six guests present, including their mothers and their two sons, Beau and Tate, with Beau reportedly serving as the best man. Bunton shared the happy news on Instagram with a photo captioned "Mr and Mrs Jones!", receiving an outpouring of congratulations from her Spice Girls bandmates and celebrity friends. For the occasion, Bunton wore a short, white wedding dress with an elegant long veil and flip-flop heels, embodying her signature "Baby Spice" style.
Emma Bunton's romantic journey is a testament to finding and nurturing a lasting love. While her early career saw her linked to various high-profile individuals, her enduring partnership with Jade Jones has been the consistent and defining chapter of her love life. Their story, marked by initial separations and a long engagement, ultimately blossomed into a strong, private marriage, showcasing a deep and unwavering commitment that has stood the test of time and fame.