"She just wanted to get out of the country for a few days," she said.

Mel G arrives in Singapore en route to Thailand with Phoenix Chi

The 24-year-old is said to have stormed out of the mansion she shared with Gulzar in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire after a row on New Year's Day.

The couple had decided to make a last-ditch attempt to save their stormy marriage during a family Christmas at their home.

But the festivities were marred by a series of rows, and they announced their split on Sunday.

The spokeswoman said the couple had planned to spend Christmas in Thailand together to try to iron out their marriage problems.

"They've tried very, very hard over the last couple of months, and Jimmy was there over the whole Spice tour.

"They were originally going to go over to Thailand to get away from it all, because they've had a pretty hectic year, but they decided not to in the end."

Gulzar was seen leaving the couple's mansion briefly on Monday night.

He cycled to the local pub, the King's Head, returning with 60 cigarettes and some beer. He gave six cans to reporters saying: "You've got some beer, what more do you want?"

On his bike: Jimmy Gulzar cycles for cigarettes and beer

Meanwhile, Mel G's marriage split is providing food for thought for the UK's tabloids - with the spokeswoman denying reports in The Sun claiming actor Max Beesley has been "a shoulder for her to cry on".

The Mirror claims Jimmy Gulzar has been offered �1m to "get out of her life", adding he wants more money - the singer is worth around �20m.

The Daily Mail reports Mel G is determined to win custody of Phoenix Chi, although Gulzar has demanded he wants to look after their daughter while she tours the world with the Spice Girls later this year.

But the spokeswoman said: "I don't think things have got to that detailed stage at the moment.

"They weren't expecting anything like this to come out for a couple more weeks, so they haven't had a chance to discuss things like that."