S Club 7's Paul Cattermole dies, aged 46
'There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel': ITV News' Martha Fairlie reports on the grief following the death of S Club 7's Paul Cattermole
S Club 7 singer Paul Cattermole has died at the age of 46, just weeks after the group announced a reunion tour.
The performer was found dead yesterday 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," his family and the group said in a statement.
A statement on the S Club social media accounts said: “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, born in St Albans, was one of the founding members of S Club 7.
He quit the pop group in 2002, partly due to pressures within the group, and also to focus on his nu metal band, Suka. At the time an S Club 7 spokesperson said the split was "amicable".
Cattermole had reunited with old school friends to form the metal group, but they split in 2003 after failing to sign a record deal.
In February all S Club 7's original members - Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole and Tina Barrett - announced a reunion tour.
The comeback tour of the UK and Ireland, scheduled for October, was a way of celebrating the group's 25th anniversary.
In a statement the group said: "It feels amazing to announce that we're reuniting and performing together again.
"We're so excited to bring the S Club party back to our fans across the country to celebrate 25 years of S Club 7.
"We can't even believe it's been so long. Music and friendship have always been at the core of everything that we've ever done. We hope everyone can join us for one big party."
Tributes are now pouring in for Cattermole, who also had a career as a tarot card reader and psychic.
Television presenter Vernon Kay tweeted: "This is so very sad. 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."
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."
TV and radio presenter Nicki Chapman tweeted: "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 wrote: "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."
Formed in 1998 by Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, S Club 7 shot to stardom after staring in their own BBC series, Miami 7.
The group had four UK number one singles and a UK number one album. They recorded four studio albums, released 11 singles and sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
S Club 7 also achieved international success - reaching the top 10 in the US Hot 100 chart with their 2000 single, Never Had a Dream Come True.
Fuller said he would remember Cattermole as “a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans”.
In 2018, Cattermole said he regretted “in a way” putting his Brit Award, which he won with his then-bandmates for best newcomer in 2000, up for sale online after struggling to find work due to a back injury.
He told ITV’s Loose Women he was hoping the eBay bidding, which reached more than £66,000, would be done “quietly”.
The singer said the halting of his pop career had made him consider applying for a job in a shop, and he was “cool with delivering pizza”.
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