But despite not liking their music, the star enjoyed spending time with Melanie C, Mel B, Victoria, Geri and Emma on the set of Spice World.

He said: “The Spice Girls were put together and became a very successful pop group. No shame in that. As great singers, they don’t qualify. But lovely girls.”

Spice World saw the band members zip around London on tour in their plush double-decker tour bus, but their experience turns into a real adventure.

And O’Brien took a liking to Emma – nicknamed Baby Spice.

Asked in what order O’Brien would like to photograph the Spice Girls – referencing his role of a photographer in the comedy-musical film – he replied: “I don’t know, really. I know, um – what’s her lovely name? Baby Spice.

“Emma Bunton, she’s delightful.”

Elsewhere in his interview with the publication, O’Brien said he is kept alive by music.

He explained: “Singing is the purest art form. The first song ever sung was a mother cooing to her baby. What a delightful origin to something so delicious.

“When a great, unaffected singer like Billie Holiday is singing, without any kind of showing off, it’s just delightful. I love good singing.”