Rachel Stevens is seen for the first time since S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole’s tragic death
Rachel Stevens has been seen for the first time since the revelation that her S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole had tragically passed away at the age of 46.
The singer, 45, made a gloomy figure as she headed to Global Studios in London on Thursday ahead of taping her Heart 00s Radio show.
Rachel’s outing came after S Club 7 confirmed that their 25th Anniversary tour will continue later this year and will pay tribute to their late bandmate Paul.
The singer was found at his home in Dorset on Thursday morning and was pronounced dead in the afternoon, his family said on Friday. His cause of death is not yet known.
Rachel looked casual in a cream striped sweater and loose black jeans as she entered the radio studio.
Sad: Rachel Stevens has been seen for the first time since the revelation that her S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole had tragically passed away at the age of 46
RIP: The singer was found at his home in Dorset last Thursday morning and was pronounced dead in the afternoon, his family said Friday. His cause of death is not yet known
Relaxed: Rachel made a gloomy figure as she headed to Global Studios in London on Thursday, before taping her Heart 00s Radio show
Despite the band’s recent heartbreak, Rachel still managed to put a smile on her face as she headed to work.
It comes after S Club 7 issued a joint statement following Paul’s death, saying he will ‘never be forgotten’.
The group shared a heartfelt message on their Instagram on Saturday, along with a photo of Paul taken during the group’s heyday.
They wrote: ‘Thank you to all our incredible fans and friends who have shared their love for our brother Paul.
“At this difficult time for all of us, it gives us strength to know that he will never be forgotten.”
On behalf of Paul’s family, the group also said fans could make a donation to the National Youth Music Theater which Paul attended during his childhood.
They wrote, “In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family has asked that anyone who wishes can join us in making a donation in his honor to the National Youth Music Theater, an organization that brought Paul so much joy growing up.”
S Club 7 have vowed their 25th anniversary tour will continue and will likely include a tribute to Paul.
Sad: It came after S Club 7 confirmed their 25th Anniversary tour will continue later this year, and it will include a tribute to their late bandmate Paul
Stepping out: Rachel looked casual in a cream striped jumper and loose black jeans as she entered the radio studio
Vow: Members of S Club 7 have vowed their 25th anniversary tour will continue and will likely include a tribute to Paul (above left), who has passed away suddenly at the age of 46
At work: Rachel arrived at the studio to record her Heart 00s radio show as she is currently filling in for regular host Ashley Roberts
Embattled: Despite the band’s recent heartbreak, Rachel managed to paint a smile on her face as she left for work
Moving on: It comes after S Club 7 issued a joint statement following Paul’s death saying he ‘will never be forgotten’
Kind gesture: On behalf of Paul’s family, the group also said that fans could make a donation to the National Youth Music Theater, which Paul attended during his childhood
Sources close to the band say that while it’s too soon to make a public decision on how their 11 concerts will go, they want them to take place because the late singer was so excited about it.
The Mail on Sunday revealed that Cattermole was one of the first of the seven stars to agree to take part in the reunion shows.
An insider said: ‘Paul was so excited, even though he seemed uncomfortable on the outside, he was looking forward to reliving old happy times with the group.
“That’s why there are some members of S Club 7 who are determined to keep the tour going. To them it seems like the perfect way to honor him.
“There have been some meetings and some of the group are inconsolable, they are in pieces. It all came as a great shock to them.’
Cattermole was found last week at his home in Dorset, and his death was announced by his family on Friday.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
His ex-girlfriend and fellow S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt is said to be ‘in pieces’ after she was told the news by the band’s management team.
In a joint statement on Friday, Cattermole’s family and S Club 7 said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
Paul was found yesterday, April 6, 2023, at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
Although the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Paul’s family, friends and fellow S Club members are requesting privacy at this time.”
The Mail revealed that a member of the group’s manager Simon Fuller’s team called the six members on Friday – Ms Spearritt, 42, Rachel Stevens, 44, Tina Barrett, 46, Jon Lee, 40, Jo and Bradley McIntosh, 41 – to tell them the news.
The source added, “Hannah couldn’t even talk about the news, her boyfriend has been having the conversations needed.
“She’s inconsolable, this is coming out of nowhere and she’s just numb.”
Tragic news: While his cause of death has not been revealed, the band’s manager reportedly said there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’
Fuller, who launched the band in 1998 and led the forthcoming reunion tour, is said to be “deeply upset” by the news.
Meanwhile, the band paid tribute to Cattermole on social media.
They posted a black and white photo of the singer in the band’s heyday, writing, “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 great memories we have. He will be greatly missed by all of us.”