S Club 7’s manager Simon Fuller has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Paul Cattermole following his death aged 46.
The S Club 7 star was found dead at his Dorset home on April 6, just days after he was seen out and about enjoying the sunshine on a brisk walk in the park.
The news came as a huge shock to the band, who just months earlier announced a much-anticipated reunion tour.
Cattermole was one of the band’s original members when it formed in 1998, alongside Hannah Spearitt, 42, Rachel Stevens, 44, Tina Barrett, 46, Jon Lee, 40, Jo O’Meara, 43, and Bradley McIntosh, 41.
One year prior to the band’s split, Cattermole was the first member to break away from the group in 2002, but was all set to take part in the upcoming tour before his untimely death.
Taking to social media in an emotional statement confirming the sad news yesterday, the band 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.
‘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’s family added in a separate statement: ‘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.’
Now, S Club 7’s manager and founder Simon, who also managed the Spice Girls, has opened up about the devastating news, as he called Cattermole a ‘beacon of light’.
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.’
While Cattermole’s cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
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