A number of celebrities today took to social media to pay tribute to Paul Cattermole, following his unexpected death.
The pop star died at his home in Dorset on Thursday at the age of 46, with the news released in a statement the following day.
Following the heartbreaking news, a number of celebrity friends and colleagues have shared love messages and anecdotes from their time with the singer.
The tributes were led by presenter Vernon Kay, who recalled that Paul “always” had time to chat with him, while Dan Wootton shared an old photo with him.
While Lorraine Kelly remembered the band member as “gentle and shy” as she recalled her time with him.
Legend: A number of celebrities took to social media today to pay tribute to Paul Cattermole, following his unexpected death
Remembering: Daily Mail columnist Dan Wootton was one of many stars who took to social media to remember Paul, sharing a recent photo with the pop star
Paul rose to fame as a member of pop sensation band S Club 7 in the late 1990s, alongside Tina Barrett, Rachel Stevens, Jo O’Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh and Jon Lee.
And when the news was revealed, the band paid tribute to Paul on Twitter, 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 him in our lives and are thankful for the great memories we have.
“He will be so greatly missed by all of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and the band at this time.”
Vernon also took to social media, who wrote, “This is so very sad. From when I first got into TV through CBBC, T4, TOTP, poll hit winners Paul and Sclub were always there. He always had time for a chat. RIP.❤️’
While Lorraine wrote, “This is so sad. Beautiful man and he was looking forward to the #sclub7 reunion. Interviewed them all many times and I was struck by how gentle and shy he was.’
“Sending all the love to you all xxx,” Rylan wrote while tweeting to S Club 7.
Daily Mail columnist Dan called Paul a “legend” when he shared a throwback photo with the band on Twitter.
Stars: The awards were led by host Vernon Kay (left) and Lorraine Kelly (right)
Early days: Paul rose to fame as a member of pop sensation band S Club 7 in the late 1990s, alongside Tina Barrett, Rachel Stevens, Jo O’Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh and Jon Lee
He wrote: ‘Paul Cattermole, a pop legend who is part of S Club 7. I will never forget the joy of this day and the impending excitement of seeing you reunited soon. Reach for the stars now, sir. Just heartbreaking.’
Actor Jeremy Edwards, who was once engaged to Paul’s bandmate Rachel Stevens, also reached out on social media.
RIP Paul Cattermole. My thoughts and love go to all your friends and family. #sclub7,” the soap star wrote.
Announcing the sad news, a statement from his family read: ‘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,” while confirming there were no suspicious circumstances.
S Club 7 were one of the most iconic bands of their time, selling over 10 million albums worldwide, starring in their own TV series and winning two BRIT Awards.
Paul left the group in 2002, citing “creative differences”, and the group changed their name from S Club 7 to simply S Club before breaking up for good a year later.
Following his departure from the band, Paul mostly stayed out of the limelight, revealing that he was desperate for reality television.
He confessed that although he had approached producers of Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing, “for some reason they don’t want me.”