S Club 7 'devastated' at death of Paul Cattermole

1. Tributes are being paid to S Club 7 singer Paul Cattermole, who has died aged 46
2. Cattermole was found at his home in Dorset on Thursday and pronounced dead later that afternoon, according to a statement from his family and bandmates
3. The cause of death is unknown. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances
4. The news comes just weeks after the band - known for hits including 2000's Never Had a Dream Come True - announced plans for a reunion tour
5. "We are truly devastated," said his bandmates - who added that they were "thankful for the amazing memories we have"
6. The news is "so very sad", broadcasters Lorraine Kelly and Vernon Kay have written in separate tweets

Thanks for your tributes

James FitzGerald

Live reporter

We're bringing this page to a close now, after reflecting some of the public grief following the death of S Club 7's Paul Cattermole. You've kindly sent us your own memories of the man. One comment leapt out at me - that Cattermole "taught me to always be true to myself".

Make sure to read our full write-up here, and to watch our video obituary here.

Thanks to my colleagues Jamie Whitehead, Sarah Fowler, Jack Burgess, Sam Hancock, Andre Rhoden-Paul and Alys Davies for providing today's live coverage.

Emotional farewell to singer Paul Cattermole

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Cattermole (bottom row, second-left) with his bandmates in around 2000

We'll be closing this live page shortly - but before we go, here's a look back at some of the day's tributes to S Club 7's Paul Cattermole.

It was announced earlier that the singer had died "unexpectedly" on Thursday, aged 46.

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."

S Club 7 statement

Simon Fuller, the music manager who created the band in 1998, said Cattermole was a "beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans", adding: "He will be greatly missed. We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news".

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay described Cattermole's death as "so very sad", and continued: "He always had time for a chat. RIP.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly called the late star "gentle", "shy" and a "lovely man" who was "so looking forward to the S Club 7 reunion". Another broadcaster, Rylan Clark, wrote "sending all the love to you all" under the band's announcement of Cattermole's death.

From Finland to New Zealand, you've also been sending us your own tributes. One reader from Surrey said he was "heartbroken".

Watch: A look at S Club 7 singer's life

Paul Cattermole: Look back at S Club 7 singer's life

A look back at the life of Paul Cattermole, a member of one of the UK's biggest pop acts of the early 2000s.

'I grew up watching Paul on TV'

Many of you have been sharing your sadness over Cattermole's death, as well as your memories of S Club 7. Here are some more tributes we've received.

I’m devastated about Paul from S Club 7, this was my favourite childhood band... Paul was one of my favourite members with his comedy and very funny... My heart goes out to his family and friends. Much love."

Ste JamesLondon

Such sad news about Paul to wake up to in NZ. S Club 7 were a staple band when I was in high school, and I grew up watching Paul on TV. May he rest in peace."

EllisAuckland, New Zealand

S Club 7: More than a band

Jamie Whitehead

Live reporter

PA Media

Cattermole and bandmate Hannah Spearritt - who had a real-life relationship - in Hollywood 7 in 2001

S Club 7 weren't just a band. As well as topping the charts and selling out arenas, they were also the subject of four CBBC series: Miami 7, LA 7, Hollywood 7 and Viva S Club.

The Miami series came first, and it became an after-school viewing staple in the UK. The story saw the band - playing fictional versions of themselves - go to Florida to try and make it in the music industry, but instead end up working in a hotel. Each episode ended with the group performing one of their songs.

Series two had a similar theme, but this time they'd moved to the west coast. This one featured a surprise guest: Linda Blair from The Exorcist played the group's landlord.

Series three kept them in California - but its name changed to Hollywood 7 before the final season, Viva S Club. Set in Barcelona, Cattermole's character left the band during the series, mimicking his real-life 2002 departure.

And the S Club brand didn't stop its expansion into TV here. Spin-off group S Club 8 - originally called S Club Juniors - starred in I Dream. Also set in Spain, the programme followed a group of teenagers who join a performing arts school.

Tribute on the London Underground

A tribute to Cattermole has popped up on the London Underground, this post from the Twitter account All on the Board appears to show.

The sign at North Greenwich station makes reference to recently announced plans for an S Club comeback tour, and includes the words:

So many of us had a dream come true when it was announced the group would bring it all back and were reuniting to perform on stage."

'Very difficult for the band members'

Emma Jones was editor of Smash Hits magazine when S Club 7 were at their peak.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, she says: “Paul always had a cheeky smile, he was always fun, always had a good answer whenever we asked him one of our questions. He was a really nice person.

“When he came into our office at Smash Hits, we all loved him. They worked really hard. They were up for doing mad photoshoots and fun."

Jones continues: “It will be very difficult for the band members, especially for Hannah Spearritt who Paul had a relationship with. She’ll be absolutely devastated.”

Cattermole dated Spearritt for several years.

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Hannah Spearritt and Paul Cattermole in 2005

Paul Cattermole's post-fame struggles

Steven McIntosh

Entertainment reporter

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The late singer pictured earlier this year

Paul Cattermole struggled in later life, after losing the fame he’d enjoyed during S Club 7’s heyday.

In 2018, he was invited on to ITV’s Loose Women after attracting media attention for putting his Brit Award up for sale on eBay. Cattermole had been trying to make some money as the threat of bankruptcy loomed.

He told the sympathetic panel how he would’ve happily taken a regular job, but noted that a recent back injury - coupled with the likelihood of being recognised by customers - ruled out working in certain areas.

One panellist revealed that producers had bought him the shirt he was wearing during the interview. He talked about surviving on a diet of packet noodles. The strapline at the bottom of the screen read: “I’m broke.”

Cattermole had clearly been going through a terribly sad and difficult time, and it was impossible for viewers not to feel sorry for him.

The increased media attention led to an appearance on Channel 4’s First Dates. But otherwise he went back to a lifestyle broadly away from the spotlight, until S Club 7 announced their reunion earlier this year.

'I pounced on the opportunity to see Paul this year'

S Club 7 were a big part of my childhood back when they first started out in 90s. I would listen to their music, watch them perform on TV as well as watch their shows on CBBC.

When S Club 7 announced a reunion tour this year I pounced on the opportunity to see Paul and the others perform live, and got tickets.

Now I’m heartbroken that someone who brought joy to me as a child has so suddenly passed away. It would have been great to see him at the O2 this October.

Harry Tinsley29, from Addlestone, Surrey

'Paul taught me to be true to myself'

PA Media

Thanks for continuing to send us your tributes and memories following our earlier post.

S Club 7 was the first band I ever saw live, and I saw them again in 2014. They were my childhood, and I'm so very sad to hear about Paul's passing."

Simon Taylor34, Glasgow

His integrity... taught me to be always true to myself. His later dealings in tarot readings on YouTube changed my life. He has helped me again and again to get through hurdles in my life and I can say wholeheartedly that I will miss his input. I will miss him more than words can say."

SadieBristol

S Club 7 fans like me have lost a part of our childhood

Annabel Rackham

Entertainment reporter

I still remember the excitement I felt aged eight as my mum told me she had secured tickets to the hottest show in town – S Club 7 at Wembley Arena in 2002.

What I didn’t know as I entered the venue - after begging my mum to buy me a band T-shirt and giant glow stick - was that this would be one of Paul Cattermole’s final live appearances as part of the band. He left a few months after the concert as the band transitioned from S Club 7 to just S Club.

I remember everyone at primary school being devastated to see their favourite seven-piece depleted. I don’t think I’d got over Geri leaving the Spice Girls.

I was pleased when he announced he’d be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations and was looking forward to seeing him and the rest of the band at the O2 later this year. It feels difficult losing a bit of my childhood today and I’m sure lots of other fans are feeling the same way.

What have they all been up to since S Club 7?

BBC

The band pictured at the BBC in February this year

Rachel Stevens launched a solo music career soon after the band first broke up, and had a hit with the song Sweet Dreams My LA Ex. She was also runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.

Hannah Spearritt became an actress, appearing in ITV's Primeval, as well as having recurring roles in Casualty and EastEnders. She has also performed in stage shows such as One Man, Two Guvnors and The Armour.

Jon Lee also turned to acting, and performed in West End shows such as Les Miserables and Jersey Boys. He released his debut solo album, Fallen Angel, in 2012.

Paul Cattermole, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O'Meara formed a spin-off group called S Club 3, later renamed S Club Allstars.

Tina Barrett joined the new band lineup in 2014, after taking a lengthy hiatus from her music career.

In pictures: S Club 7 through the ages

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S Club 7 near the start of their pop journey in 1999. From left to right: Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole, Bradley McIntosh, Tina Barrett, Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens, Hannah Spearritt

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Here they are performing at the height of their success in 2001

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S Club 7 announced new plans for the band in 2014 after breaking up in 2003

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And in February 2023, they announced reunion tour dates for later this year

'A lovely man and a joy to work with'

"What a lovely man you were. What a joy to work with. What a pleasure to have known you. What sad, sad news," writes vocal coach and presenter David Grant, reacting to the death of Cattermole.

Many will remember Grant for his appearances on the noughties BBC reality music talent show, Fame Academy, alongside his wife Carrie. The TV show was broadcast at the height of S Club 7's fame in the early 2000s.

In other tributes, BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans writes in a tweet: "I am so sad to hear this".

Cattermole's rock roots

Steven McIntosh

Entertainment reporter

Getty Images

Cattermole pictured in the late 1990s or early 2000s

For a member of a group that made outright bubblegum pop, Paul Cattermole’s musical roots were unusual.

His grandfather worked at the famous Abbey Road Studios, giving Cattermole the idea at a young age of finding a job in music. As a teenager, he entered the National Youth Music Theatre, and thought his future could lie in performing in productions of major stage shows.

But at the age of 16, he decided to go in a different musical direction, forming his own heavy metal band. The Rage Against The Machine covers they performed were a far cry from the kind of songs Paul would be singing just a few years later.

He was somewhat conflicted about joining a pop group as mainstream as S Club 7 - but after some initial hesitation, he felt it too good an opportunity to turn down.

After huge success with the band, he quit in 2002 and went back to his nu-metal group, which by then were called Skua. But he struggled to break out of the pop music box many had put him in, the association with S Club too strong to overcome in order to form a credible rock career.

Without a record deal, the band had limited success, and Cattermole made a living with DJ gigs, singing on TV adverts and session work.

Simon Fuller: Paul was a beacon of light

We've just had word from Simon Fuller, who created and managed S Club 7 in 1998.

In a statement, he describes Cattermole as a "beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans". Fuller adds:

He will be greatly missed. We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news."

Fuller was looking to recreate the success he had with the Spice Girls when he put S Club 7 together.

It's rumoured that the "S" in the band's name stands for Simon, though neither he nor they have ever publicly confirmed that.

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Fuller (centre) with four out of five of the Spice Girls in 2012

Your memories of Paul Cattermole

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'I owned all of S Club 7's CDs'

Fans of S Club 7 have been sharing their sadness at the passing of Cattermole.

I'm so sad about this. I grew up in the US and watched the S Club TV show every Saturday morning when it was on. I owned all of the CDs and CD singles and had planned to fly to the UK later in the year for the reunion if work allowed."

Felicia Prehnfrom Helsinki, Finland

I raised my daughter on S Club. I still have their songs on my running playlist. I’m so sad. This isn’t how things are meant to be."

Tiffany Clegg52, from Eastbourne

Watch: Cattermole jokes about re-learning dance routines

Back in 2014, S Club 7 reunited for the BBC's annual telethon Children In Need, which led to them embarking on a UK arena tour the next year.

Here, during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Paul Cattermole joked about how hard he found it to get back into the dance routines after all those years away from the band.

S Club 7's Paul Cattermole on his struggles to learn dance moves

One of the biggest bands of the early 2000s

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S Club 7 at the 2003 Brit Awards

S Club 7 were one of the country's biggest pop groups at the end of the 1990s and start of the 2000s.

At the height of their success, the band had four UK number one singles: Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, Don't Stop Movin' and Have You Ever.

They also earned a UK number one album with 7, which included big hit single Reach, in 2000 - the year they won British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards.

They would go on to win British Single of the Year with Don't Stop Movin', two years later.

By the time the band disbanded in 2003, they had achieved 11 UK top ten hits.