MELANIE C will become the first Spice Girl to appear at York Barbican Centre when she plays a solo show on January 31 next year.

The concert announcement comes on the day that a national newspaper revealed the singer was taking anti-depressants after doctors diagnosed her as suffering from depression following jibes over her weight. Sporty Spice has been dubbed Beefy Spice after sporting a fuller figure in recent months.

Mel, 26, said: "It's an illness and nothing to be ashamed of. I hope that I can dispel the stigma attached to this condition."

On her last visit to Yorkshire, Mel performed a solo show at Bradford St George's Hall on September 17 as part of the on-going promotion for her debut album Northern Star, which has already spawned such hits as Going Down, Gaga, Never Be The Same Again and I Turn To You.

The Spice Girls have been the champions of the girl power movement since Wannabe entered the charts at number one in July 1996. They are to release their third album, Forever, on November 6, preceded by the new single, the double A-side Let Love Lead The Way and Holler, on October 23.

Mel C tickets went on sale today priced at £16.50, and can be booked on 01904 656688, or on on-line on www.fibbers.co.uk/barbican.