‘He was a beacon of light’: S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller pays a heartfelt tribute to late Paul Cattermole following his tragic death aged 46
S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller has paid a heartfelt to Paul Cattermole following his tragic death aged 46.
The pop singer was found dead at his home in Dorset on Thursday, just one day after he had been pictured smiling and walking through the countryside.
Simon, 62, who also managed the Spice Girls, told PA: ‘Paul was a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans and he will be greatly missed’.
Before adding: ‘We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news’.
The seven-piece pop group was created by Fuller in 1998, before going on to release a slew of hits including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’ with a reunion tour scheduled for later this year.
RIP S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller has paid a heartfelt to Paul Cattermole following his tragic death aged 46 (pictured earlier this year)
Heartfelt: Simon, 62, who also managed the Spice Girls , told PA: ‘Paul was a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans and he will be greatly missed’
Flying hight: The seven-piece pop group was created by Fuller in 1998 , before going on to release a slew of hits including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’ with a reunion tour scheduled for later this year (pictured in 2000)
Following the sad news of Paul’s passing, a video from his appearance looking for love on First Dates Hotel in 2019 has resurfaced online.
In the clip, Paul sweetly admitted he would trade his ‘success’ and ‘fame’ in pop band S Club for a chance at ‘one true love’ before going on the date.
Paul, who quit S Club four years after they catapulted to fame, said recognition and money weren’t the ‘route to happiness’ but finding love is.
He said: ‘Would I have traded the success and the number ones for one true love? I think yeah, yeah.
‘Fame isn’t the route to happiness, money isn’t the route to happiness, being with somebody you love is.’
The singer went on to say although he had had an array of short relationships, including with S Club co-star Hannah Spearritt, he wanted to find true love.
Speaking about his fame, he added: ‘The life I’ve had made it tough to get to grips with what made a real relationship.’
After enjoying a date with music lover Anna, where he opened up about his pop music career, Paul left the First Dates Hotel single after being let down gently.
Love: Following the sad news of Paul’s passing, a video from his appearance looking for love on First Dates Hotel in 2019 has resurfaced online
Romance: The news is said to have come as a ‘shock’ to his bandmates, including his ex-girlfriend Hannah Spearritt (left) who has been left ‘inconsolable’ (pictured with Paul in 2004)
Paul left S Club 7 in 2002, citing ‘creative differences’, and the group changed their name from S Club 7 to simply S Club before splitting for good a year later.
Their TV show Miami 7 was first aired in 1999 – getting around 90m viewers, before in 2001, the band starred in Hollywood 7, when Paul started dating co-star Hannah.
Hannah and Paul’s friendship predates the creation of the noughties group after they became friends in their teens at the National Youth Music Theatre.
They first kept their romance private, with Paul later revealing he would sneak to and from Hannah’s house in the early hours to avoid being spotted by fans.
Hannah and Paul split up in 2006 and got back together for a few months in 2015, before calling it time on their relationship for good.
RIP: Just one day before his death, Paul was pictured smiling and walking through the countryside
Devastating: While his cause of death has not been revealed, the band’s manager reportedly said that there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’
Following a seven-year feud, Paul and Hannah recently rekindled their friendship, before the tragic news of his passing.
Paul was found dead at his £172,000 flat in Dorset on Thursday, with the news leaving Hannah and her fellow band members in ‘shock’.
Hannah has been left ‘inconsolable’ over the death of her ex-boyfriend as friends have said he was ‘excited’ about their reuinion tour in October.
His death comes amid claims he had appeared ‘very quiet’, sparking concerns from his bandmates.
A source added: ‘Hannah couldn’t even speak of the news – her boyfriend has been having the conversations that need to be had. She is inconsolable. This has come out of nowhere and she is simply numb.’
Sources close to the band said he was ‘excited’ about their forthcoming reunion tour and was focusing on getting fit for the rehearsals, which were due to begin in the early summer.
While Paul was excited about his return to the limelight, The Daily Mail has been told his bandmates had concerns about him as he appeared very quiet.
Meanwhile, insiders say the group are now determined to press on with their 11 concerts in the autumn as a tribute to Paul.
One said: ‘A dark cloud has fallen over the reunion, it was supposed to be such a happy event but what wonderful way it would be to remember Paul.’
A statement released by his family on Friday read: ‘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.’
It continued: ‘While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.
‘Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time.’
His cousin, Samantha Maxine Richardson, wrote on Facebook: ‘It is with regret that my cousin Paul Gerald Cattermole ( s club 7 ) has passed away .. fly high darling I have so many fond memories of us growing up …
‘I remember you sucking ur thumb and I thought I’d give that ago lol and I still do it to this day… May you rest in eternal peace my lovely xx.’
Yesterday morning a member of manager Simon Fuller’s team called round the six group members – Ms Spearitt, 42, Rachel Stevens, 44, Tina Barrett, 46, Jon Lee, 40, Jo O’Meara, 43, and Bradley McIntosh, 41 – to tell them the news, which left all of them distraught.
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 had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.
Reunited: (L-R) Rachel Stevens, Paul, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett were gearing up to reform for a 25th anniversary tour later this year
Heyday: The group were one of the biggest bands of the Noughties and had a string of hits (clockwise L-R: Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett, Bradley McIntosh, Paul and Rachel Stevens)
‘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.’
A source told the Sun: ‘Everyone is in pieces. Hannah and the rest of the gang broke down when told what happened.
‘No one can believe it. There is a real sense of horror and disbelief.’
A source close to Spearritt added his sudden death had left her heartbroken.
‘She is absolutely devastated and inconsolable. This came as a massive shock, and she is struggling to believe he is no longer with us,’ they said.
‘Just as they rekindled their friendship, the worst happened. The band are all in pieces.
‘They were all looking forward to the reunion tour and reliving their amazing memories together.
‘Paul has and always will be a huge part of Hannah’s journey. Right now, she is just beside herself.’
Paying tribute: The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fans and fellow celebrities across social media last night
The band paid tribute to Paul (right) 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 had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have’
Following the news, celebrities and thousands of S Club 7 fans took to social media to pay tribute to Paul.
Paul, who made a living as a tarot card reader after falling on hard times when he quit the group in 2002, was said to have been in ‘good spirits’ when he was seen at a park close to his home near Swanage last Wednesday.
An onlooker said he was ‘smiling and enjoying the sunshine’.
Paying tribute, Vernon Kay wrote: ‘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.’
Paul’s former housemate and friend, Sheridan Smith, said in a post on Instagram that his loss made her feel ‘sick’, according to OK!.
Smith said: ‘Devastated beyond words. We all grew up together in the NYMT then all lived together for years.
‘He was an amazing man and my heart breaks for his friends, family and loved ones. Thinking of Han & Neil and his band mates too. Too young. Feel sick.’
Breakfast television host Lorraine Kelly tweeted: ‘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.’
And BBC presenter Owain Wynn Evans wrote on Twitter: ‘I am so sad to hear this. Sending love xxxx.’
Responding to S Club 7’s words, TV presenter Rylan Clark wrote: ‘Sending all the love to you all xxx.’
This Morning psychologist Emma Kenny said: ‘So sad to hear about #PaulCattermole my kids loved the fun of @SClub7 they brought a lot of music, laughter and dancing to our lives. Absolute tragedy.’
A source close to Spearritt (pictured left with Cattermole, right, in 2001) said: ‘She is absolutely devastated and inconsolable. This came as a massive shock, and she is struggling to believe he is no longer with us. ‘Just as they rekindled their friendship, the worst happened. The band are all in pieces’
Cattermole (pictured in 2001), who made a living as a tarot card reader after falling on hard times after he quit the group in 2002, was said to have been in ‘good spirits’ when he was seen at a park close to his home near Swanage last Wednesday
Paying their respects: As the band announced his passing this afternoon in a tribute, fans left their own memories of the popular star
Outpouring of emotion: Fans took to Twitter to share some emotional words after hearing news of Paul’s death
Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate India Willoughby posted: ‘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.’
Television personality Lizzie Cundy shared: ‘So shocked and sad to hear S Club 7 Paul Cattermole has past away. Such a lovely guy . All my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends #RestInPeace.’
Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan wrote: ‘Such sad news about Paul #Sclub7 he was always lovely on the occasions where we saw each other throughout our pop journey. My heartfelt condolences & prayers to his family, friends and band mates urghh I hate this. Love while you can guys.’
Actor Jeremy Edwards, who was previously engaged to Paul’s S Club bandmate Rachel Stevens, wrote: ‘RIP Paul Cattermole. My thoughts and love go to all your friends and family.’
Actor Kai Owe paid tribute to ‘his old mate Paul’ on Twitter: ‘Gutted. RIP to my old mate Paul. The memories from our time together @MountviewLDN and beyond are flooding back. SO many… all filled with laughter, songs, & snogging! Rest in peace mate.’
As the band announced his passing this afternoon in a tribute, fans left their own memories of the popular star.
Jaylan Salah wrote: ‘RIP Paul Cattermole. I was obsessed with S Club 7 when I was little, had a major crush on Hannah and Bradley, and even watched their TV series Miami 7 with my sister and Grandpa on the Gramps old TV set.
‘Their songs always uplifted my spirit and made me feel like dancing. Sad news.’
Elizabeth Bond said on Twitter that the musician made her remember happy times in her life.
She said: ‘Truly shocked and sorry to hear this. I saw S Club 7 back in 2002 with a friend of mine.
‘We were both about ten years older than the average age of the audience, but I still feel nostalgic for that innocent and fun time. RIP Paul and condolences to your loved ones.’
Bex wrote on Twitter: ‘Gutted to hear about the death of @Paulcattermole1… We had some fantastic memories together. You’ll be deeply missed.’
JenWren said: ‘This is so bloody sad. My friend and I saw S Club a few years back in the Echo arena, relived our youth. Rest in peace Paul.’
Ellie Walker added: ‘This is so sad. RIP Paul. He was a big part of my childhood. My thoughts are with you all and his loved ones.’
Hertfordshire-born Cattermole (pictured in 2018) quit S Club 7 four years after they catapulted to fame following fall outs with other band members. He went on to form a new group Skua, but they split a year later
Tough times: Hannah and Paul were said to have fallen out after they broke up but they later made amends (pictured in 2005)
Back on: Hannah and Paul appeared to have confirmed they’d rekindled their romance after being caught kissing on the London Underground
Rekindled: The sighting came days after it was reported Hannah had dumped her fiancé Adam Thomas in order to rekindle her flame with fellow bandmate Paul
Elsewhere, another fan wrote: ‘So sad to see that Paul Cattermole has died. His family, friends and the band must be devastated. My heartfelt condolences to all. ‘Reach’ is one of, if not THE, greatest pop songs of all time. Paul’s acoustic version is gorgeous.’
‘Oh man a big part of my childhood Paul Cattermole has died honestly it makes you cherish life a lot,’ another devotee wrote.
‘Really sad to hear Paul Cattermole of S Club 7 has died. No age at all. Their music was the background noise to my early teaching life. So many happy scenes of the kids singing and dancing along to their songs,’ posted another fan.
While another fan tweeted: ‘As someone who watched S Club on TV and became a fan of the group and their music because of it, I am stunned by the loss of Paul Cattermole – especially happening shortly before the group was to reunite for a tour. RIP Paul. Thank you to all you did for the group & music.’
‘Saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Cattermole. He was my first celebrity crush as a kid. He was great in S Club 7. I even followed his tarot channel he set up. He was a star. 46 is no age to die. It’s not fair. Rest in peace x,’ posted another fan.
‘Devastated to hear of the passing of Paul Cattermole from S Club 7 – absolutely loved them when I was a child! Sending love to all of his loved ones,’ wrote someone else.
Another emotional fan posted: ‘The saddest part about Paul Cattermole, is that he lived much of his life feeling worthless & invaluable to people. In his death, the messages of love pour in. In life, he rarely felt it. Don’t wait until people have died to say what you think, tell them in life, when it matters.’
Hertfordshire-born Paul quit S Club four years after they catapulted to fame following fallouts with other band members. He went on to form a new group Skua, but they split a year later.
In 2018, he sold his Brit Award for £60,000 on eBay after telling fans he was skint. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet, and found regular work as a station manager for a community radio station in Swanage, Dorset.
The news of Paul’s shock death comes just weeks after S Club 7 announced they will reunite for an 11-date tour of the UK and Ireland, performing classics such as Reach, Bring It All Back, and Never Had A Dream Come true
Memories: Fans took to Twitter to share pictures of Paul and S Club 7 in the years before his death
Heartwarming: Paul’s final Instagram post was on March 16 – the day before Red Nose Day – in which he shared a skit of S Club 7 ‘auditioning’ for Eurovision
Sketch: In the heartwarming clip Paul shared, the group auditioned to be the United Kingdom’s Eurovision act in front of judges Graham Norton, Lulu and Sam Ryder
In 2019 he appeared on First Dates Hotel and last year started a business giving online tarot card services.
Paul had shared his last social media post before his death on March 16 – the day before Red Nose Day – in which he shared a skit of S Club 7 ‘auditioning’ for Eurovision.
In the heartwarming clip Paul shared, the group auditioned to be the United Kingdom’s Eurovision act in front of judges Graham Norton, Lulu and Sam Ryder.
The judges explained they were ‘on the hunt’ for the UK’s next entry, with Lulu adding: ‘You won’t believe who’s trying to get in on the action.’
READ MORE: Paul Cattermole’s tragic final interview: Late S Club 7 star was hopeful of ‘new beginnings and good luck’
The camera then revealed the famous faces who were auditioning including S Club 7, Fleur East and Miranda Hart.
The news of Paul’s shock death comes just weeks after S Club 7 announced they will reunite for an 11-date tour of the UK and Ireland, performing classics such as Reach, Bring It All Back, and Never Had A Dream Come true.
Fans of the group will not only remember S Club for their music after the band including Rachel Stevens, 44, Tina Barrett, 46, Jon Lee, 40, Bradley McIntosh, 41, and Jo O’Meara, 43, also starred in their very own BBC series Miami 7 and LA 7.
All seven of the group agreed to the comeback, been masterminded by music mogul Simon Fuller – the man who put them together in 1998 after the Spice Girls, his previous band, sacked him as their manager.
He called each of the seven stars in person to suggest the project and made it clear it would only work if all of them were to agree.
Speaking on coming back together, the band said: ‘After eight years 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!’
S Club 7 recorded four studio albums, released 11 singles that all entered the Top 5 UK charts, and went on to sell over 10 million albums worldwide.
In 2002, Paul sent shockwaves through S Club 7’s global fanbase when he spectacularly announced he was quitting the group citing ‘creative differences’.
The band announced their split the following year.
Paul had a rocky road after leaving the band, becoming bankrupt in 2015 and even putting his Brit Award up for sale on eBay saying: ‘There’s bills to pay’.
Throwback: In 2002, Paul sent shockwaves through S Club 7’s global fanbase when he announced he was quitting the group citing ‘creative differences’ (pictured in 2000)
New venture: In 2021, Paul launched a new YouTube channel called Tarot Me This, where he called upon fans to make a donation in exchange for a reading
He admitted to trying to sign up to reality shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Dancing On Ice but was told he wasn’t ‘famous enough’.
During an appearance on Loose Women in 2018 he admitted he had run out of money and had to borrow a shirt for the show.
Touching on his life following the disbandment of the group, Paul revealed how his ‘mental health got worse’ and things were ‘tricky’ in his life.
He told how he knew there were ‘trouble and turbulent times’ ahead as he touched on him being declared bankrupt in 2014.
READ MORE: Where are S Club 7 now?
However, he knew there was hope on the horizon as he started getting strong senses of energy and knew he being ‘called to do something else.’
After their split in 2003 the band all went in different directions.
Rachel went onto have a solo music career and came runner up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.
Hannah, who’s a mum to daughters Tora and Taya, enjoyed an acting career, performing on the likes of BBC One soap EastEnders and Brit drama Primeval.
In 2021, Paul launched a new YouTube channel called Tarot Me This, where he called upon fans to make a donation in exchange for a reading, explaining ‘clairvoyance’ was his new line of work.
He later revealed he hid his psychic abilities from the rest of S Club 7 because he feared it would make him sound ‘crazy’.
The pop star swapped his mic for tarot cards after reinventing himself as a ‘spiritual psychic detective’, earning money by charging £39.99 for reading on a spiritual website.
Paul explained how he enters rooms and reads the ‘energy within them’, adding that the older he’s got, the better he’s able to ‘process’ what’s going on.
After leaving his pop career behind, Paul spend a decade honing his skills to build the career he had today, but told how his abilities first surfaces in his teens, before growing more ‘intense’ in his 20s.
But at the height of his fame during his time in S Club, Paul admitted he couldn’t tell the truth about his abilities for fear of sounding insane.
Looking back: S Club 7’s Paul Cattermole became a heartthrob among his legions of teenage fans around the world (pictured late 90s)
He said: ‘I didn’t know what it was but I was getting premonitions of certain things. I would see photos of people in newspapers and certain things about them would jump out of the image. Then in my 20s it got more intense, but I could never tell anyone, even my bandmates, because it would sound like I’m crazy.’
In February, Paul spoke to MailOnline about his hopes for ‘new beginnings’ and ‘good luck’ ahead, revealing he’d studied his tarot cards.
He told MailOnline: ‘I saw wheel of fortune – that’s good, that’s good luck. I genuinely did look at the cards.
‘There were other cards as well, ace of clubs – passion, new beginnings, your cup over-runeth with genuinely passionate emotion.
‘It’s positivity – something to be passionate about.’
Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, as a young man Paul reportedly dreamt of becoming a rugby star, but opted to pursue musical theatre instead.
He studied at the National Youth Music Theatre and appeared alongside future bandmate Hannah, in Pendragon (1994). He was just 17 when they met while Hannah was 14.
While at college, Paul also reportedly duetted with Emma Bunton, who would later become Baby Spice in 90s girl group the Spice Girls.
Paul had also been in a rock band with some friends, his preferred style of music to the pop genre he would later master.
His big break came when Spice Girls manager, Simon Fuller, spotted him during a show and picked him for S Club.
After a string of auditions, he became one of the band’s founding members along with Hannah, Tina Barrett, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O’Meara, and Rachel Stevens in 1999.
His bandmates, like him, had tried other avenues before they were picked for the group, including acting, modelling and dancing.
In October 2014, the original S Club line up regrouped for the first time in almost ten years, and performed a few of their best-known songs for the BBC Children In Need appeal
During their five years together, the band released four number-one singles and one number-one album in the UK as well as fame globally.
They had a string of popular TV shows all named after the number of bandmates – Miami 7, LA 7, Hollywood 7 and Viva S Club.
The band went on to record four studio albums, released 11 singles that all entered the Top 5 in the UK charts, and sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.
In 2001, Paul and his bandmates Bradley and Jon were arrested for using drugs, shattering the band’s squeaky-clean image for many.
Paul, then 24, and his bandmates, were spotted smoking cannabis in a back street off Leicester Square in London.
The boys later issued a statement apologising unreservedly to their young fans.
‘We have been very stupid. We know we’ve made a mistake and we are very sorry,’ they said.
A spokesman for their record company, Polydor, said the three were ‘learning the hard way’ and ‘deeply regretted’ their actions.
Selling his awards
In 2018, Paul sold the best newcomer BRIT he won with S Club in 2000 for £66,100.
Several weeks later he tweeted: ‘Well I am gutted that the winning bidder was total time waster. He Just wanted to wreck my sale. Grab yourself a bargain! Everyone thinks it’s sold!’
The item later made £61,000.
‘The band are gutted by this. They rate their fans very highly and they know that they have let a lot of people down.’
In March 2002, Paul said he would be stepping down from the band to go solo, becoming the first member of S Club 7 to leave.
He said: ‘I’ve had some of the best times of my life over the past four years with S Club and I’d like to thank all my fans for that and also the other six guys.
‘It will be a sad day for all of us when I leave and I’ll really miss not being with them every day – they are my best mates.
‘I’ve reached a point in my life where I’d like to experiment in different types of music as a solo artist.
‘I love S Club to bits and I know they’ll continue to be hugely successful. I’ll be watching them every step of the way and wish them all the best.’
However, he joined the band and members of Queen to perform at Buckingham Palace for the Golden Jubilee that year.
He went on to reunite with his old school friends in the nu metal band Skua.
Sadly, the band had little success and split in 2003, after failing to sign with a record label. In 2014 it reformed, releasing a series of singles and a debut album.
They continued to struggle to promote themselves without a label, and soon S Club would come calling for Paul again.
In October 2014, the original S Club line-up regrouped for the first time in almost ten years, and performed a few of their best-known songs for the BBC Children In Need appeal.
They reunited again in 2015 for the Bring It All Back tour, which took them to arenas across the UK.
Paul previously said the tour was ‘difficult’ and that ‘not everyone in the band sees eye-to-eye’.
After a run of shows, Paul decided to leave the group behind again.
In 2015, Paul took to the stage again, reprising his musical theatre training in The Rocky Horror Show.
He toured across the UK in the role of Eddie, which he said he loved doing.
‘I was a fan of the show before,’ he told the Oxford Mail. ‘I loved it! So I’m having a great time being part of it now. It’s a brilliant show with so many excellent moments, and I’m having a ball with it.’
He left the tour when received a back injury after a dancer fell on him during an dance number, and later said he was struggling to find work because of his injury.
In February 2023, all original members of S Club 7 announced they were reuniting for a UK and Ireland arena tour in October.
The 11-date tour was expected to see them perform classics such as Reach, Bring It All Back, and Never Had A Dream Come true.
On stage: Paul performs as a cast member of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ tour at Richmond Theatre on May 6, 2016
The band said: ‘After eight years 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.’
Source: Read Full Article
