POSH ROCKS..

Sunday Mirror, Dec 26, 2004 by BEN TODD, Showbiz Editor, DAN EVANS

DAVID Beckham has splashed out pounds 1million on diamond jewellery as a lavish Christmas present for wife Victoria.

Six-months-pregnant Posh yesterday unwrapped gifts including a glittering ring, earrings, bracelet and necklace.

Friends say that after all the accusations that he cheated on his wife, the Real Madrid star was determined to spoil her this Christmas and try to put their own "annus horribilis" well and truly behind them.

A friend revealed: "David and Victoria are united again - now they want the world to know it. Despite everything, they know they have a bond together. They have always said they will make their marriage work - and nothing has changed."

Victoria told a friend: "I'm overwhelmed by the gifts from David. He's helping to make this our perfect Christmas."

The Sunday Mirror can reveal that the couple plan to renew their wedding vows in 2005.

We can also reveal that Victoria is set on getting the Spice Girls back together.

Victoria told a friend: "It's time to look to the future. David and I are stronger than we have ever been. I want to let the world know that in 2005."

She is determined to resurrect Brand Beckham, building on the success of Brooklyn and Romeo's pounds 500,000 joint christening ceremony last Thursday.

Victoria, 30, with the help of her mother Jackie and father Tony, personally organised virtually all of the event.

Following its success, she now believes that matters are best left in her own hands rather than relying on others.

A close friend said: "Victoria is absolutely delighted at the way the christening went. Although heavily pregnant, she put a huge amount of work into the bash and believes it really paid dividends.

"It has given Victoria back her confidence. Now she is ready to build on that success by orchestrating a reunion of the Spice Girls.

"Victoria and David have also discussed renewing their vows. It's certainly on the agenda for 2005."

The couple's original intention was to renew their vows this year while on holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco, where Beckham was pictured disguised in a jellaba - a traditional long white gown and headscarf that covered all but his eyes. The couple shelved their plans when word got out in July.

Today the Sunday Mirror can also give the inside track on the christening which turned into the showbusiness event of the year.

And we can reveal how the bash at the couple's Beckingham Palace home in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, has set the stage for the return of the Spice Girls.

Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie C - previously the most vocal opponent of any reunion - all turned up. The only one missing was Mel B, who still does not want to see Geri after the pair fell out when they met up for dinner at Beckingham Palace in February 2003.

A source revealed: "Mel B was due to come. She had bought presents for the boys and had spoken to Victoria about it.

"But in the end she couldn't face being in the same room as Geri."

Tellingly, the band's old manager and Svengali figure, Simon Fuller, was also among the guests.

It is the first time he has been in close proximity to four of the girls at once since he was unceremoniously sacked seven years ago.

A close friend revealed: "Victoria was delighted to have Geri, Emma and Mel C back together along with Simon. It really made the evening even more special.

"What people have never understood is just how close the Spice Girls were. Despite their ups and downs, Victoria is determined to bring them all back together. She is confident she can sort out the problem between Geri and Mel B.

"Simon, too, believes the band has unfinished business. That means putting the Spice Girls back together - and Victoria will play a pivotal role in making that happen in the New Year."

Other guests at the christening included Liz Hurley, Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish - who left the party with a "Just Married?" sign on the back of their car, mocking reports that they planned to tie the knot at the party.

Sir Elton and Furnish were godparents to the two boys, as were David's personal manager Terry Byrne and wife Jenny.

Becks' best friend Dave Gardner was godfather to Brooklyn, while Victoria's old school friend and make-up girl Marie Louise Featherstone was Romeo's godmother. At the party afterwards, David thanked his friends and family for attending the event, which included a lavish six-course meal costing pounds 150,000.

A friend said: "David was really upbeat in his speech. He said how grateful he was to everyone for making it such a special day. He looked really happy.

"Like Victoria, he believes they have put the worst behind them. Now they are looking forward again"

The Sunday Mirror first revealed in September 2003 that the Beckhams marriage was under strain following the star's pounds 25million move to Real Madrid. In April, Beckham's former PA Rebecca Loos claimed she had enjoyed an affair with the England captain following his move to the Spanish capital. He was also linked with Australian escort Sarah Marbeck and model Esther Canadas.