My sister rang me last Tuesday. “Did Mel C ever get married?” Random question at 9 pm, but alright. I had no clue, so I googled it whilst she was still on the phone.
Turns out, is Melanie C married? Nope. Never has been, never wanted to be. She told The Sunday Times in 2022 that marriage just isn’t her thing. Can’t argue with that.
She’s Got a Boyfriend Though
Melanie C partner right now is Chris Dingwall. He’s Australian and does modelling and film directing. They went public at Wimbledon last July, though fans had spotted them holding hands at Glastonbury weeks earlier.
Chris is in his forties, from Sydney, and works with Ford Models. Been modelling for over 20 years. Also directs short films and Australian TV episodes. He met Mel when she was DJing across Australia in 2023.
Sharp-eyed fans noticed they were posting from the same luxury hotels in Brisbane and the Whitsundays at the same time. Bit obvious, that.
In January this year, Chris posted birthday wishes for Mel on Instagram. “Happy Birthday… Been a beautiful year. Looking forward to another amazing one with you.” She replied, “Thank you my love.” Cute.
They’ve been photographed all over the place. Ibiza, Mallorca, kissing on yachts, paddleboarding. In July, Mel posted holiday snaps from Mallorca, saying, “A slice of paradise.” Living their best life, clearly.
Her Daughter Scarlett
Melanie C daughter Scarlett was born 22 February 2009. She’s 16 now, which is mad.
Who is the father of Mel C daughter? Thomas Starr Mel C’s ex. They were together from 2002 to 2012. Ten years is a proper long-term.
Mel C daughter age is 16 as of November 2025. Mel keeps Scarlett well out of the spotlight. Sometimes posts photos but hides her face. Sensible, given how mental the media is.
Mel said having a child, Scarlett, changed everything about her priorities. She’s properly protective of Scarlett’s privacy. Can’t blame her really.
The Thomas Starr Years
Thomas is a property developer. They met on holiday in Barbados. Must’ve been some holiday.
She had Scarlett in 2009, six years into the relationship. In 2012, Mel joked to Good Housekeeping about living with a bloke: “I’d like my house to be run with military precision, but unfortunately someone else lives there – a man! So he scuppers that.”
Weeks later, they’d split. Weird timing. She told Bustle later that Thomas was her “first serious, long-term adult relationship” and there was “a little bit of trepidation” about settling down.
They co-parent Scarlett now. Details are scarce because Mel keeps it private.
Joe Marshall Chapter
After Thomas came Joe Marshall in 2015. He became her manager two years later. Either really smart or potentially messy.
They lasted seven years before splitting in 2022. That’s when Mel admitted to joining Hinge. She went on a podcast and said, “What is it about Hinge? I’m single, and I’m having a little look around; it’s slim pickings. There seem to be loads of hot girls but all the hot guys are gay.”
Brutal honesty. Can’t help but laugh at her being so blunt about dating apps in your fifties.
Why No Wedding?
Is Melanie C married? No, and she’s explained why. Doesn’t want to be. Just not something that interests her.
In July 2025, she talked to Sunday Life about turning 50. “When I turned 50 last year, I didn’t feel too concerned about it. And now, a year on, I’ve embraced all the positive things about getting older. The physical negatives of being this age are that you wake up with more aches in the morning, but having wisdom and feeling blessed to be alive is such a gift.”
Quite mature, that. No “50 is the new 30” rubbish.
She’s also mentioned that the Spice Girls days had different rules for different members about dating. She felt she wasn’t allowed whilst others were. Looking back, she questions how she was treated.
The Australia Thing
Mel’s filming The Voice Australia right now. Spending loads of time Down Under, which works perfectly since Chris Dingwall‘s Australian. They were spotted at Bondi Beach and Sydney Airport in April, doing normal couple stuff.
There’s chat she might move to Australia permanently. Nothing confirmed. She’s said she “cherishes” her trips there. Having a boyfriend in Sydney probably helps.
The Voice gig seems perfect. She mentors young singers, stays in music without constant touring pressure, and spends time with Chris. Sorted.
What’s Different This Time
Chris isn’t in music. He’s a model and filmmaker. Completely separate world. Maybe that’s why it works? No competition, no career overlap.
Her previous blokes were connected to her work. Thomas was around during her solo career peak. Joe became her manager. Dating outside music might be healthier.
They look genuinely happy in photos. Not that staged “look how in love we are” stuff. Just normal couple vibes. Holding hands, laughing, enjoying holidays. Proper relationship, not PR.
What I Reckon
So nope, Mel C’s not married. Never has been, probably never will be. She’s 51, has been in long relationships, has a teenage daughter, and has flat-out said marriage isn’t for her.
The Chris thing seems solid. Together for over a year, gone public, spending loads of time between the UK and Australia. Whether it lasts forever, who knows? But they’re happy now.
What’s refreshing is how private she keeps everything. We know about Chris because they’ve been photographed. She’s not doing magazine spreads about their relationship or posting couple selfies constantly. Just living her life.
Scarlett’s nearly an adult. Mel’s got her music career, The Voice gig, and a boyfriend who makes her happy. Not married, no plans to marry, completely fine with that.
Final Words
The whole “Is Melanie C married?” question feels dated anyway. It’s 2025. Loads of people don’t bother with marriage. Mel’s been clear about it and stuck to her guns. Takes guts in an industry where everyone’s expected to follow the same script.
