Tributes are flooding in for S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole following his death aged 46 on April 6.
Just months after the band announced plans to reunite in an epic UK tour, they took to social media today to share the devastating news of Cattermole’s death.
Sharing a picture of Cattermole on Instagram, the band wrote: ‘We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul.
‘There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel.
‘We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.
‘He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time.’
Cattermole was one of the original seven to join the band in 1998 alongside Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh, Tina Barrett, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee and Rachel Stevens.
The late singer was the first to leave the band a year before they split in 2003.
Tributes have flooded in, with stars expressing shock at Cattermole’s death, as This Morning’s Rylan Clark wrote alongside the band’s announcement: ‘Sending all the love to you all xxx’.
Lorraine Kelly remembered Cattermole fondly: ‘This is so sad. Lovely man and he was so looking forward to the #sclub7 reunion. Interviewed them all many times and struck by how gentle and shy he was.’
Aaron Renfree, from S Club 7 spin-off band S Club Juniors, shared the original group’s tribute and added a broken heart emoji.
He later posted pics from his days in the band, alongside the original members, with the message: ‘I just can’t believe it… Paul you will be deeply missed by your S Club family, friends and fans. You were a big part of my childhood – thanks for some special memories. Shine bright up there!’
Joining her former bandmate, Rochelle Humes, who was also an S Club Junior said the news was ‘utterly heartbreaking’.
Meanwhile, fellow One Step Closer hitmaker Stacey Franks admitted that while she didn’t know Cattermole ‘personally’, his death had ‘really upset’ her.
Thanking fans for their messages of condolence, the singer said in a video: ‘S Club as a whole has just been such a huge part of my life and I owe so much to S Club and I just wanted to send my love and strength to everybody that knew Paul, all the others, his friends, his family, and I just don’t know what to say.’
Kerry Katona shared her shock too, writing on Instagram: ‘This is absolutely heartbreaking my thoughts are with his loved ones!’
Television presenter Vernon Kay also paid tribute to Cattermole, stating he ‘always had time for a chat’.
‘This is so very sad,’ Kay tweeted.
‘From when I first started in TV all the way through CBBC, T4, TOTP, smash hits poll winners Paul and Sclub were always there. He always had time for a chat. RIP.’
Broadcaster India Willoughby commented: ‘Omg. Such sad news. Paul was always my favourite. Cheeky smile. Be with the brightest stars now. Love and condolences to all his family and friends.’
‘RIP Paul Cattermole. My thoughts and love go to all your friends and family,’ added actor Jeremy Edwards.
Sheridan Smith, who was once roommates with Cattermole, also shared a picture in tribute.
The actress said she was ‘devastated beyond words’, writing: ‘We all grew up together in the NYMT then all lived together for years.
‘He was an amazing man and my heart breaks for his friends, family and loved ones. Thinking of Han & Neil and his band mates too. Too young. Feel sick.’
Sugababe Keisha Buchanan tweeted: ‘Such sad news about Paul #Sclub7 he was always lovely on the occasions where we saw each other throughout our pop journey. My heartfelt condolences & prayers to his family, friends and band matesurghh I hate this. Love while you can guys’.
Cattermole’s family also made a statement, which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
‘Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
‘While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.
‘Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time.’
More Trending
In addition, the manager of S Club 7 remembered Cattermole as ‘a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans’.
Simon Fuller said that he was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by the news and that Cattermole would be ‘greatly missed’.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: BBC and ITV broadcaster Nicola Heywood Thomas dies aged 67