S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole has died aged 46.
While his cause of death was not disclosed, the band’s manager reportedly said there were “no suspicious circumstances.”
The band shared the news in a statement on Twitter, writing: “We are truly devastated by the death 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 grateful for the amazing memories we have.
“He will be missed so much by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and the band at this time.’
RIP:S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole has died aged 46. The circumstances of his death are said not to be suspicious (pictured on Wednesday)
Tragic news: While his cause of death was not disclosed, the band’s manager reportedly said there were “no suspicious circumstances”.
I’m so sorry…Thinking of you all…Omg this is such a shock…Incredibly sad. RIP Paul… So so sad.’
A representative told The Sun: “Everyone is in pieces. Hannah and the rest of the gang broke down upon learning what had happened.
“Nobody can believe it. There’s a real sense of horror and disbelief.’
A multitude of fans responded to the statement on the S Club 7 Twitter account, with users writing, “I really understand that I will have your back 10,000 percent… I can’t believe this.”
News of Paul’s shock death comes just weeks after S Club 7 announced they will reunite for an 11-date tour of the UK and Ireland to perform classics like ‘Reach’, ‘Bring It All Back’ and ‘Never Had A Dream Come True”.
Fans of the group won’t just remember S Club for their music after the band, including Rachel Stevens, 44, Tina Barrett, 46, Jon Lee, 40, Bradley McIntosh, 41, and Jo O’Meara, 43, also performed in Her role featured in her own BBC series Miami 7 and LA 7.
In 2002, Paul sent shockwaves through S Club 7’s global fan base when he spectacularly announced he was leaving the group, citing “creative differences”.
He’s had a rocky road after leaving the band, going bankrupt in 2015 and even putting his Brit Award up for sale on eBay, saying “there are bills to pay”.
He then appeared on Loose Women in 2018, where he admitted he ran out of money and had to borrow a shirt for the show.
Reunited: Rachel Stevens, Paul, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett (LR) were preparing to reform for a 25th anniversary tour later this year
Flashback: In 2002, Paul sent shockwaves through S Club 7’s global fanbase when he spectacularly announced he was leaving the group, citing ‘creative differences’ (pictured in 1999)
In 2019, Paul made an emotional appearance on the dating show First Dates Hotel.
The star was on a date with music lover Anna, but after being gently lowered, he sobbed on camera and asked for a “moment” to pull himself together.
Hannah and Paul’s friendship dates back to the formation of the noughties group after they became friends at the National Youth Music Theater as teenagers.
They initially kept their romance with Paul a secret and later revealed that he would sneak to and from Hannah’s house in the early hours to avoid being spotted by fans.
The S Club 7 reunion tour was helmed by music mogul Simon Fuller, who originally put it together in 1998 after the Spice Girls, his former band, fired him as their manager.
Reuniting for the 25th anniversary tour will reportedly be lucrative for both Simon and the band, who have all gone in different directions since splitting in 2003.
Rachel Stevens began a solo music career and came runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.
Hannah, who is the mother of daughters Tora and Taya, has enjoyed an acting career, appearing on BBC One soap opera EastEnders and British drama Primeval, among others.
In 2021, Paul launched a new YouTube channel called Tarot Me This, where he urged fans to make a donation in exchange for a reading and stated “clairvoyance” was his new line of work.