S Club 7 stars Jo O’Meara, Tina Barrett and Rachel Stevens have paid tribute to their late bandmate Paul Cattermole following his sudden death last week.
The singer died on Thursday, April 6, a statement from his family and bandmates announced, leading to an outpouring of tributes from fans worldwide.
Now, three of the group’s female stars have shared their own words on social media, with Jo remembering Paul as the “sweetest soul” in an extended post.
“I just wanted to reach out and Thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the love and kindness you have shown over the tragic passing of our sweetest soul Paul,” she penned. “This has been utterly devastating , and I am totally shocked and heartbroken.
“We have lost someone so incredibly special to us all , and there is a huge sense of sadness that will never go.”
The singer added: “Paul will forever be a huge part of our lives , and I will forever treasure the memories we made ! I will love you always Paul , God bless you my darling , Rest in forever Peace Love JoJo.”
In a message shared to Instagram, Tina also remembered her late bandmate and shared a poem she’d written in his memory.
“Thank you for all your well wishes and support in this tragic time,” she posted. “I wrote a poem for Paul I’d like to share with you all
Paul Cattermole
A shining star
Full of character and life
His flame burnt so bright
A rebel without a cause
A free spirit, a true force
While strumming the guitar
He reached for the stars
Farewell sweet Paul
Your star shines so bright
Forever in our hearts
Sleep well and
Goodnight
Miss you Cattermole love Tina.”
Rachel Stevens went on to write: “Thank you so much for all your beautiful messages of love and support. The out pouring of love for our Paul has been so incredibly special and has meant so much. I hope he knew how loved he was.
“Such a kind, gentle and sensitive soul with the most incredible energy and such a wild free spirit. He would light up any room.”
She added: “We are heartbroken but so grateful for the memories we all shared. An absolute shining star who we will love and miss always. RIP darling Paul.”
Paul was found dead at home aged just 46 and there are believed to be “no suspicious circumstances” around his passing.
A statement from the band reads: “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.”
A second statement from his family adds: “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. 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.”
The shocking news comes weeks after the band confirmed plans to embark on a massive 25th anniversary reunion tour, with 15 dates announced across the UK.
Formed in 1998, S Club 7 rose to fame the following year with their CBBC series ‘Miami 7’, after which they launched their pop career with the chart-topping Bring It All Back.
Over the next four years, they released 10 hit singles – including the No. 1s Never Had a Dream Come True, Don’t Stop Movin’ and Have You Ever – and three albums, before Paul quit the band in 2002.
They continued as S Club, releasing the Top 5 hit Alive from fourth album ‘Seeing Double’ (2002), before splitting the following year after one more single and their Greatest Hits album.
In 2015, the original line-up reunited for the ‘Bring It All Back Tour’, marking the band’s final performances together.
