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Mel B wants to become Australian citizen

Sep 10, 2012, 8:15 GMT

Mel B and husband Stephen Belafonte

Mel B is applying for Australian citizenship.

The Spice Girls singer stars as a judge on 'X Factor Australia' and enjoyed it so much she wants to move Down Under permanently with husband Stephen Belafonte and daughters, Phoenix, 13, Angel, five, and 12-month-old Madison.

Mel - originally from Northern England - has spent most of the last year dividing her time between Los Angeles and Sydney, but now wants a permanent base in Australia.

She said: 'To get citizenship here takes quite a bit of effort but we really want to get residency.'

Earlier this year, the 37-year-old singer rented a house in Sydney's eastern suburbs and was reportedly looking for a place to buy, as well as having enrolled Phoenix in a local school.

Speaking at the time, she said: 'We've set up shop here. We are all really happy and settled.

'Hopefully they [Australians] are going to want me here for a long time.'

As well as appearing on 'X Factor Australia' Mel is also tipped to return as the host on the local version of 'Dancing With the Stars'.