Baby Spice in serious TV ads

Baby Spice has taken on a grown-up role.

The blond Spice Girl (a.k.a. Emma Bunton), has launched a government safety campaign, BBC reports.

Bunton's duty is to warn festive drinkers about the dangers of using fireworks on New Year's eve; last year, 830 people needed hospital treatment in Britain for firework injuries.

The singer is appearing in a television ad to promote her cause.

"My advice would definitely be to remember that alcohol affects your judgment," Bunton said. "It also affects your co-ordination and you tend to take more risks, so just make sure that someone else lights the fireworks this year if you are going to have a drink. Please, let's make the millennium more fun."

The campaign is warning people about new "multi-shot" fireworks, encouraging users to follow the safety instructions, and asking spectators to stand at least 25 metres away from them.

Bunton also asked people to make sure pets and children are kept safe during the festivities.

-- AllPop