SCARY Spice Mel B changed to Scaly Spice by trying her hand at fish filleting for a film role.

The singer left behind her pop star lifestyle at the weekend and donned rubber wellies, white coat and plastic hairnet while filming the short film, Fish, at North Shields Fish Quay, North Tyneside.

Mel was so keen to land the role she insisted on auditioning for the part.

She plays Angela, mother of a 14-year-old boy who moves to a housing estate in the North-East.

She asked for no favours during filming as she worked alongside fish filleters.

Seaview Fisheries worker Dave Smith, 45, from North Shields, said: "She seemed a nice lass. She came in and shouted 'Where's me wellies?'

"She had a couple of bodyguards with her, but she was mostly quiet - nothing like her stage image."

Producer Deborah Hunter said: "She has been absolutely brilliant."

The Spice Girls star was seen relaxing in the sun and enjoying a drink at Est Est Est bar on Newcastle's trendy Quayside.

Mel chatted with locals and signed autographs as she mingled with Geordies enjoying the summer weather.