S Club 'feel empty' without Paul Cattermole as they back new heart campaign
The five members of S Club say their "hearts feel emptier" following the death of their bandmate Paul Cattermole.
S Club, who are due to begin their tour without Hannah Spearritt later this year, say "as a band we all personally know the devastating affect heart and circulatory diseases can have on people’s lives" as the five-piece band back a new campaign from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Paul's death at age 46 in April left friends, family, fans and former bandmates devastated after he was found dead in his ground floor flat in Wareham, Dorset. In May, Dorset Coroner's Service confirmed Paul died of natural causes and no inquest into the singer's death will take place. The late singer's family have released no further details about his death.
S Club 7 had announced in February that they were reforming for a 25th anniversary reunion tour, just weeks before Paul's tragic death. Hannah Spearritt later said she would now not be joining the tour and the band has since rebranded to a five-piece as S Club – with Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee and Tina Barrett.
Speaking about S Club's involvement in the BHF's new campaign, Jon said: "As a band we all personally know the devastating affect heart and circulatory diseases can have on people’s lives. Our hearts feel emptier without him, and we miss him every single day. It’s heartbreaking to know that this isn’t uncommon and far too many people die too soon from heart conditions they didn’t know they had. That’s why we’re asking everyone to show their heart and join the BHF by shining a spotlight on these conditions this September."
Surprising symptom that 40% of women suffer weeks before a heart attackS Club are encouraging fans to raise awareness with the hand heart gesture to show their support and hashtag #showyourhearts. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We’re honoured to be joining forces with S Club to shine a spotlight on heart and circulatory conditions in memory of their beloved band member Paul.
"Like too many families across the UK, Paul’s loved ones only knew he had a heart condition after his tragic death at such a young age. Hidden heart conditions cut people down in the prime of their lives and rob families of their loved ones in sudden and shocking ways."
S Club's new campaign follows reports their former S Club bandmate Hannah was shocked to discover the rest of the group announcing tour plans as a five-piece on social media. It was claimed in July that Hannah felt "blindsided" by the launch and has since turned to lawyers.
Speaking in July, S Club touched on Hannah's absence during an interview regarding their upcoming tour. Jon stated "it's a conversation for Hannah to have" but stressed "we've got loads of stuff" happening in the future so the door is always open for her. Tina added how "nothing bad" happened but everyone just needs their own space.
However, a source went on to claim that there is "little to no chance" of Hannah - who dated Paul on and off prior to his death - making an appearance due to the "bad blood" among the pop group. Speaking to The Sun in July, the insider claimed: "Hannah is devastated. She was pushed out, and doesn’t understand why. The rest of S Club has been told not to contact her."
The source went on to allege Hannah - who is set for a Dancing On Ice stint - was "binned" following a series of disagreements with S Club creator Simon Fuller. It's alleged Hannah's bandmates all signed their contracts to go on tour "in the blink of an eye", but Hannah "took her time and pushed back on a few details".