10 months ago
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SHE’S said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid her husband Christian Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” investigation.
Thankfully, Geri Horner has a strong group of friends who she can turn to for support, including her ex-Spice Girl bandmate Victoria Beckham.
AFP
GettyRed Bull boss Christian was grilled for eight hours last week over allegations made by a female colleague, and is currently awaiting the outcome – but insiders reckon it could take months.
Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by 50-year-old Christian – who strongly denies all the claims – but it’s taking its toll on her.
A close source said earlier this month: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids. She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
The allegations are said to centre on concerns about a strict work regime and do not include sexual impropriety.
While Geri’s called Christian her “best friend” in the past, it’s likely she’ll be turning to her inner circle for support in these turbulent times.
The Beckhams
Geri has reportedly been leaning heavily on former bandmate Victoria, 49.
The two have been close ever since their Spice Girls days, with a source telling OK!: “They always got on well and have been there for each other through the difficult times.
“When Geri was having a bit of a stormy relationship with some of the other Spice Girls, Victoria supported her and helped her through.
“It’s the same now – Victoria wants to support Geri any way she can.”
It helps that they live nearby – both have luxurious family homes in the Cotswolds.
Geri was also a pillar of support to Victoria when her husband David was accused of having an affair back in 2003.
She was also a shoulder to cry on when David was handed a red card during the 1998 World Cup – which the footballer has called “the most difficult time” in his career.
The insider added: “Victoria and David have had some really low points together as a couple and Geri was there for her.
“She’s never forgotten how good Geri was with… the horrible treatment of David after the World Cup.
“Now she knows it’s her time to be there for Geri, and she wants to look after her and help her.”
Melanie C
PA:Press AssociationVictoria isn’t the only Spice Girl who Geri has stayed close to.
She previously confessed she shares an unbreakable bond with Melanie C and Emma Bunton because of the experiences they shared together.
Appearing on the Frosted Tips podcast, she said: “It’s a unique experience. I think it’s like having university friends or school friends, you have a specific time together and go on an adventure together that is unique.”
Geri has previously gushed about her friendship with Sporty Spice, 50 – who attended her 50th birthday bash.
Marking her pal’s 47th birthday, Geri posted a collection of photos of them together, calling her a “wonderful spice sister”.
She added: “So proud of you. Wishing you so much joy, love & success.”
Emma Bunton
Tim StewartGeri has kept in constant contact with Emma, who attended her wedding to Christian.
Emma and her husband Jade Jones were also at Christian’s surprise 50th birthday dinner in December, which saw the two women head to a grand piano for an impromptu singalong with none other than Gary Barlow and Rod Stewart.
Last year Geri confessed Emma’s “kind heart” was the inspiration for a character in her book, Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen.
Speaking to Emma on her Heart radio show, she said: “Charlie is my fave. One of my favourite characters, he’s gorgeous, but he’s got your kind heart, he’s like, one of the good guys in life… He’s got that essence of Emma.”
Baroness Carole Bamford
GettyLiving in the Cotswolds with a multi-millionaire husband, Geri inevitably mixes with members of high society – including Baroness Carole Bamford, who founded the Daylesford Organic empire.
Carole lives on a 1,500-acre estate near Chipping Norton with her billionaire industrialist husband Anthony, Lord Bamford, whose family own construction giant JCB.
When Geri was photographed for the cover of Perfect magazine by David Bailey last month, Carole was one of the first to congratulate her on the fancy shoot.
Bernie and Fabiana Ecclestone
GettyGeri and Christian have former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to thank for their getting together, as he introduced them back in 2009.
The couple have stayed close friends with him since, as well as his wife Fabiana Flosi, who he married in 2012.
The four have regularly been pictured together on luxurious double dates around the world, in places like Croatia and the Swiss Alps.
Billionaire Bernie, 93, has allegedly advised Christian to step down as Red Bull team principal.
Sources told F1 Insider he warned his long-term friend that resigning would save him and his family from further damage caused by the fallout of the scandal.
Penny Lancaster
Penny Lancaster was at Christian’s dinnerRod Stewart and Penny Lancaster have been friends with Geri and Christian for years, and attended both of their 50th birthday parties.
Penny even went out of her way to support Geri at her book launch in October last year, while on crutches after suffering a knee injury.
Despite having a “torn meniscus on her right knee,” Loose Women panellist Penny seemed upbeat, posing for a picture with pal Geri.
Rylan Clark
InstagramRylan and Geri hit it off when they hosted This Morning together, and have been pals ever since.
The Spice Girls superfan confessed he felt “like a competition winner” when he got to party with Geri, Mel C, Victoria and Emma at Geri’s 50th in 2022.
It’s likely Rylan will be a tower of support to Geri at the moment, given she was there for him not long after his six-year marriage to Dan Neal ended in 2021.
The pair were pictured cuddling up together, wearing matching cream outfits, after Geri invited him over to her plush country estate the same year.
The two music lovers spent the day having an impromptu jamming session, with Geri on the drums and Rylan on the electric guitar, which certainly seemed to lift the BBC Radio 2 presenter’s spirits.
Mary Fitzgerald
InstagramIn 2021, just a week after Geri had been left devastated by the sudden death of her older brother, Mary Fitzgerald from Selling Sunset revealed they were pals, and had recently met up.
Sharing a snap of the two together on Instagram, Los Angeles-based Mary wrote: “London is one of my favourite places in the world.
“It’s brought us so many memories and so many new friends!”
Although they live thousands of miles apart, Mary is just a FaceTime away for Geri.
Dame Judi Dench
GettyOne surprising friendship Geri has is with Dame Judi Dench, who she met at the No Time To Die premiere in 2021.
Spice Girl Geri has described the Philomena actress as her inspiration.
She told The Times: “I met her at the James Bond premiere. She had such a beautiful energy.
“Recently I had dinner with her and we did some Shakespeare together.
“We were quoting The Merchant of Venice — ‘the quality of mercy is not strained’, and I was like, ‘oh my God, I’m doing Shakespeare with Dame Judi Dench, my life is, my cup is full!’
“That’s pretty amazing.”
Last year, Geri took to the stage with Judi at the Christmas with Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth event at Royal Albert Hall, as part of a night dedicated to Judi’s career in the acting industry.
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