07 April 2023 , 14:34
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Paul Cattermole has died aged 46 - just weeks after S Club 7 revealed their plans for a reunion tour.
The pop legend was found dead at his home in Dorset yesterday and there are no suspicious circumstances around his death.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star, with Vernon Kay, Rylan, Lizzie Cundy and Nicki Chapman just some of the famous names expressing their sadness online following the shock news.
The singer had been looking forward to joining the rest of the band for the reunion scheduled for later this year to mark 25 years since the release of their first single Bring It All Back.
His bandmate and ex-girlfriend Hannah Spearritt is said to have "broke down" when she was given the shocking news and his bandmates have been left in "horror and disbelief".
S Club 7 enjoy mini reunion at the Brit Awards ahead of band's big announcement
S Club 7 are in 'disbelief' after the shock death of bandmate Paul Cattermole (left) (Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images For X)A statement from the band reads: "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."
A statement from his family added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
Paul was seen walking in the park just a day before his death (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)"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."
Paul was pictured just a day before his tragic death enjoying a walk in the countryside.
Wearing a dark jacket and T-shirt, jeans and trainers Paul even appeared to have a dance while he was enjoying the sunshine on Thursday.
Following the statement being shared with the public, TV personality Lizzie Cundy took to Twitter to write: "So shocked and sad to hear S Club 7 Paul Cattermole has past away. Such a lovely guy . All my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends #RestInPeace."
Paul looked relaxed on his walk (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)
The S Club star was enjoying the sunshine (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)TV host Vernon Kay paid tribute to Paul, stating he "always had time for a chat".
“This is so very sad," he 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."
S Club 7 publicist storms into interview with Claudia Winkleman in tense moment
TV host Rylan tweeted the official account for S Club 7, telling them: "@SClub7 Sending all the love to you all xxx."
Lorraine Kelly wrote: "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."
Paul even enjoyed a dance (Spartacus / SplashNews.com)Nicki Chapman, who worked with Paul and the rest of S Club 7 at the start of their career, added: "Just heard the terribly sad news about Paul from @SClub7
"I have such fond memories of working with him over the years. My thoughts go to his family and the band xx."
Broadcaster India Willoughby added: "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 #PaulCattermole #SClub7."
Paul was one of the original members of S Club 7 but broke hearts across the nation when he quit the band in 2002.
"It had got to the point where things were being handled so badly, I had to go," Paul told The Guardian.
Paul at the S Club 7 reunion in February this year
Paul quit the band in 2002 (Getty Images)Paul reunited with some old school friends to form nu metal group Skua, but they split in 2003 after failing to sign a record deal.
Five years after S Club broke up, Paul started performing at nightclub, universities and holiday camps across the UK with Jo and Bradley as S Club 3.
But Paul struggled adjusting to life after the band and was declared bankrupt.
By 2018, Paul became desperate and even tried to flog his Brit Awards on eBay.
Paul admitted he had already tried to sign up to shows like I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! but he had been turned down because he was not "famous enough".
While he also struggled to find work an accident during work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show left him with a permanent back injury.
The penniless singer opened up about his serious money troubles on Loose Women in 2018 and didn't even have enough money to pay for a shirt for the interview.
When Jane asked whether any family members had helped him out with his money troubles, he insisted that his "mum has helped in a big way this year".
He also said that he was very keen to dip his toe into reality TV, citing Dancing On Ice and I'm A Celeb as examples, but quipped: "For some reason they don't want me".
Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O'Meara on The One Show earlier this year (PA)Paul had a relationship with bandmate Hannah which they kept secret for six months before going public in 2001.
They carried on seeing each other when Paul left the group but split in 2006.
The pair got back together in June 2015 and were seen snogging on the tube, but they broke up again in November that year.
Paul was looking for love on First Dates Hotel, where he admitted his past life had made it tough to get in a real relationship and he wanted to get out of the public eye.
He also claimed he was forced to date Hannah for their Hollywood 7 TV shows as it was "written into their TV contracts".
"There was nothing natural about it. It wasn't how people actually hook up and get together," he said in 2019.
"Lovely person but not at any point did it hint this would actually lead to...I think because of the lifestyle of work.
"If you are being controlled to the point your girlfriend's being chosen for you you’re going to quit it. So I did."
Paul (top left) previously dated bandmate Hannah (top right) (PA)Paul went on to make a shock career change and left the music industry to become a tarot card reader.
The singer-turned-card-reader detailed his skills on the website Ask The Answer, where he wrote: "I have an abundance of experience and knowledge to share with you from my days in pop band S Club 7 to my present role as a spiritual psychic where my reputation over the years has earned me the title of Psychic Detective.
"I have a keen interest in getting to the root and cause of any problem as an Intuitive Paranormal Investigator."
He also claimed to be a psychic, clairvoyant and spirit coach, as well as a tarot card reader.