Growing up in the shadow of a famous sister would be a daunting prospect for
almost anyone - especially when that famous someone is a Spice Girl!

However, Paul O'Neill - the younger brother of Mel 'Sporty Spice' Chisholm -
takes it all in his stride. And soon the 18-year-old will be making a name
for himself - he's just signed a deal with Rover to start racing their MGF
sports cars with the ABG Motorsport team in March.  He will be the youngest
driver on the very competitive circuit.

For Paul, it's a dream come true. "When I was growing up, I didn't have any pop
heroes like my sister did," he explains. "Mine were all drivers like Prost and
Senna." However, he adds that Mel, who is his half sister, was a very
important role model. "I get a real tingle down my spine when I see her on
stage. I think I'm a bit like that on the racetrack - so I can appreciate
how amazing she must feel up there."

While he has become an expert on the racetrack, Paul still hasn't totally been
forgiven for wrecking Mel's prized Mercedes sports car last year. "It was kind
of a lamppost that jumped out in front of me. and I couldn't avoid it," he
says. grinning sheepishly.  "Mel wasn't too happy.  But saying that, it could
have been a lot worse - I could have been killed."

As it was, Paul spent four days in hospital. He says Mel's harsh words were
out of concern, not anger. "She'd rather have her brother than £40,000 of
metal."

Paul says fame hasn't changed Mel and it won't change him. "I just want to
race." he says. And as for racy reports about a romance with Mel B's little
sister, actress Danielle, he says it's not true. "In fact, I'm kind of set up
with one of Danielle's friends at the moment, which makes it all seem a bit
funny."  He admits that he likes 'hanging out' with Mel and her famous
friends.  "But to me, they're just my sister's pals!"