FACTBOX: Who are the Spice Girls?

(Reuters) - Girl band the Spice Girls are expected to announce on Thursday that they will reform and go on tour to support a new album.

Here is some background:

WHO WERE THE SPICE GIRLS?

-- The Spice Girls' sexy charisma, modest musical talent, and "girl power" philosophy made them pop music's "Next Big Thing" in the mid-1990s.

-- The band was created in 1994 by two would-be managers who advertised for women to form an all-girl group. The five winning applicants each took nicknames:

* Sporty Spice / Melanie Chisholm, also known as Mel C born January 1974.

* Posh Spice / Victoria Adams, born April 1974.

* Ginger Spice / Geri Halliwell, born August 1972.

* Baby Spice / Emma Bunton, born January 1976.