Emma Bunton got so emotional while working on the Spice Girls musical she almost cried.

British comedienne Jennifer Saunders is penning the upcoming stage production, which is called Viva Forever. It is based on the famed UK girl band's songs but the storyline does not detail their rise to fame.

Jennifer has worked closely with Emma, Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Geri Halliwell and Mel C on the musical and has enjoyed seeing how much that time in their lives means to them.

'During one read through I played one song and then Emma said, 'Oh I think I'm going to cry I loved this song,'' Jennifer recalled.

'It's a collection of their best memories and they had such a ball, such a great time together. Going back and playing all the songs and everything was quite emotional really.

'Their absolute joy and love of the music and those days is just so palpable.'

Viva Forever has been in the pipeline for several years and is expected to debut in the West End theatre district of London later this year.

Jennifer has worked with a host of big name stars during her career, most recently teaming up with supermodel Kate Moss for a comedy show for charity.

There are some stars she isn't so keen on working with though, such as those who hail from America. Jennifer fears they might not understand her quirky sense of humour.

'Explaining the jokes to Americans is boring. Madonna would be an absolute f**king nightmare. Can you imagine?' she laughed to British newspaper The Mirror

'You'd have to explain the jokes and deal with her not liking a line. They'd worry about their image or this or that. It just wouldn't be worth it and too much trouble.