Emma Bunton was left devastated after her boyfriend's father died on Christmas Day (25.12.09).

The former Spice Girl and her boyfriend Jade Jones – who she has been dating for more than a decade – received a phone call to tell them the sad news when they were celebrating Christmas with their 18-month-old son Beau at their home in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England.

Jade's father reportedly suffered a heart attack while celebrating with family and friends in his native Jamaica.

Jade – who used to front boy bands Damage and BlackStone but is now a chef at Claridge's in London – was "inconsolable" at hearing the news, while Emma was equally stunned.

A friend of the couple told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The family are devastated and still in mourning. Both Jade and Emma are shell-shocked.

"Jade's father was on holiday with his family when he suffered a heart attack on Christmas morning. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected during this sensitive time. "