S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole has been remembered as “a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans” by the band's manager Simon Fuller. The singer passed away at his home in Devon on Thursday afternoon at the age of 46.
Mr Fuller, who also managed the Spice Girls, said that he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news and that Cattermole would be “greatly missed”. He is one of a number of celebrities paying tribute to the musician after news of his death broke on Friday afternoon.
Cattermole's death comes shortly after S Club 7 announced an upcoming 25th anniversary tour, which would see the original band members reunited. His family said in a statement that Devon Police was not treating his death as suspicious.
Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly wrote that she was “struck” during her interviews with Cattermole by “how gentle and shy” he was in person. The 63-year-old host of ITV’s Lorraine chat show added she had been “looking forward” to the band’s reunion.
DJ Vernon Kay said the singer “always had time for a chat” and the news was “so very sad”. Mr Kay, who will take over Ken Bruce’s Radio 2 slot later this year, wrote on Twitter: “From when I first started in TV all the way through CBBC, T4, TOTP, smash hits poll winners Paul and (S Club) were always there.”
Pop band Blue paid tribute to Cattermole, posting on Instagram: "Rest in peace, @paul_cattermole. It was a pleasure knowing you and sharing this journey with you! You will never be forgotten. Antony, Duncan, Simon and Lee."
Steps star Ian H Watkins shared a video of himself playing an S Club 7 song on his radio show, tagging the band and posting a broken heart emoji. "Sending you all a big hug," he said. His Steps bandmate Lisa Scott-Lee also paid tribute, posting on her Instagram: "I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of Paul. My love goes out to all his bandmates @sclub7 and his family, friends and followers."
Actress Sheridan Smith, a long-term friend of Cattermole, also paid tribute, saying news of his death had left her feeling 'sick'. "Devastated beyond words," the Gavin and Stacey star said, sharing a snap of Paul as a youngster. "We all grew up together in the NYMT then all lived together for years." Mum-of-one Sheridan continued: "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."
Members of S Club Juniors, who rose to fame off the back of the group's success, also paid tribute. Rochelle Humes, who went on to be part of the Saturdays, shared a snap of herself and the rest of S Club Juniors posing alongside Paul and his S Club 7 bandmates.
Aaron, who was also part of the band, which later rebranded as S Club 8, shared the same image to his own Instagram followers and wrote: "'I just can't believe it... Paul you will be deeply missed by your S Club family, friends and fans. You were a big part of my childhood - thanks for some special memories. Shine bright up there!"
S Club Junior Stacey told her Instagram followers: "I've just got back from my gig and I don't really know what to say but I just wanted to thank everyone for their lovely messages regarding Paul. I didn't really know Paul on a personal level but it's really upset me because S Club as a whole has just been such a huge part of my life and you know I owe so much to S Club."
She added: "I just wanted to send my love and strength to everybody that knew Paul, all the others, his friends, his family and god, I don't even know what to say. I'm not ignoring people I'm just a little bit taken aback. But thank you."
S Club 7 was created by Mr Fuller in 1998, and were known for hit songs including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’ and their debut track Bring It All Back. Cattermole was dating bandmate Hannah Spearritt when he left the group in 2002 after four years to embark on a solo career.
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