Mel B lost in translation

Mel B says Americans don't understand her. The former Spice Girl - who moved to Los Angeles six years ago - says her neighbours can't understand her strong Leeds accent, but luckily she has a pal who translates for her.

She said: "They don't get it. They go, 'What?' Thankfully, I'm often with an American friend of mine who kind of translates for me! Unless I have to change it for an acting role, I'm not going to dampen it. I don't see why I should. It's me.

They ask where Leeds is and I say it's four hours north of London." Despite her communication problems, the 33-year-old star loves living Stateside with husband Stephen Belafonte and her two daughters.

She added: "The sunshine is a big factor for me for living in Los Angeles. "But of course I miss the UK. I'm a Leeds girl. Luckily, in the last year, I've been over to the UK at least seven or eight times so I still hang out with my friends a lot.

But my pals like me living in America because it's a good excuse for them to pack their bags and head over!"