Mel C has confessed she gets "lonely" since her 10-year relationship ended.

The 40-year-old singer has been single since splitting from Thomas Starr, the father of her five-year-old daughter Scarlet, 18 months ago, and though she was "relieved" when their relationship ended, she admits life alone can be tough.

She said: "At first it was hard because obviously when a relationship comes to an end there are reasons for that.

"Initially I was just quite relieved we had taken that step and changed the environment.

"But as time goes on, there are times when it's tough, whether it's night time or disciplining - certain things when you're on your own, no matter how much help you get, can feel quite lonely."

Former Spice Girls star Mel - who has been linked with DJ Greg Burns and singer Matt Cardle since splitting from Thomas - is open to falling in love again, but will always put her daughter before a man.

Speaking to the new UK issue of HELLO! magazine, she said: "I've had some fun times being single, but it would be nice to meet someone now. It's really hard to meet someone though and being a single mum complicates things. I don't want to introduce Scarlet to someone inappropriate or who I'm not sure about.

"I'd really like to meet someone who had a similar lifestyle or balance to me - who likes having fun, but is into exercise and nutrition."