Mel B denies husband Stephen Belafonte hit her before The X Factor final: “We’re madly in love!”

Mel B has shrugged off rumours that her marriage to Stephen Belafonte is in trouble, telling reporters that he did NOT hit her before December’s X Factor final.

Spotted in the US ahead of her stint as a judge on the tenth season of America’s Got Talent, the former Spice Girl was quizzed on speculation about her marriage.

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“No, my husband didn’t hit me,” she said. “No, I didn’t get held hostage. Me and my husband are madly in love.”

Mel, 39, was forced to miss the first half of *The X Factor *2015 final after she was taken to hospital with a mystery illness.

She then appeared on the Sunday night show with what looked like a bruise on her cheek, scratches on her arms and minus her wedding ring, prompting theories about the state of her marriage.

But Stephen himself took to Twitter to deny the gossip, saying: “I don't usually respond to Twitter msgs but I will respond to comments of hitting my wife which I think are quite disgusting un true!

“Mel was very ill a bunch of doctors helped her get better if fans can't just relax B4 being negative they r not real fans of @OfficalMelB.”

Mel also recently wrote on Twitter: “Pls don't believe what you read it’s all lies lies lies as usual.”

Just last month the police received an allegation of false imprisonment amid claims Stephen had held Mel hostage in their London home – an accusation she reportedly believes was made by someone who wants to stir up trouble for the couple.

“Mel did not make these allegations and is adamant they are totally untrue. She will be telling the police they are completely false,” said a spokesperson.

Inside her make up bag: Mel B