Mel B to replace Paddy McGuinness as team captain on Celebrity Juice

Celebrity Juice has signed Mel B as a new team captain after Paddy McGuinness pulled out of the next series.

Paddy only joined the ITV2 panel game earlier this year, taking over from original star Fearne Cotton, who had bowed out after a decade.

However, Keith Lemon’s telly bestie is already leaving the show, as ‘scheduling conflicts’ mean he’s too busy to take part this autumn.

Fortunately, Juice bosses have already found an apt replacement in Mel B.

She will appear throughout the upcoming 22nd run, due to hit our screens later this month.

Holly Willoughby will be back as her rival team captain, while Keith remains the presenter.

Scary Spice herself said: “I am so happy that I’m going to be part of the Celebrity Juice family and thrilled to be a captain.

“My mission is to give Keith a run for his money. Watch out. Things are going to get even more crazy!”

It is currently unclear whether Paddy will return in the future.

Keith – real name Leigh Francis – has a long association with Mel, dating back to Bo Selecta, when he famously dressed up as her using an exaggerated face mask.

She recently appeared on his new chat show Shopping with Keith Lemon, which saw the pair visit Asda together.

Having left her judging role on America’s Got Talent, Mel recently reunited with the Spice Girls, minus Victoria Beckham.

The group earned rave reviews for the sold-out ‘Spice World’ arena tour, their first in over ten years.

Celebrity Juice’s latest run begins recording in mid-September, with audience tickets now available via Applause Store.