S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole reportedly told a fan he was "buzzing" for the band’s reunion the day before he died.
The 46-year-old died at his home in Dorset on Thursday six months before they were supposed to embark on their 25th anniversary tour.
His cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but police say “there are no suspicious circumstances”.
Bandmates including devastated ex-girlfriend Hannah Spearitt, Rachel Stevens, Jo O’ Meara, Bradley McIntosh, Jon Lee and Tina Barrett have vowed to go ahead with the tour in his memory.
A source told The Mirror: “The band are still too upset to talk about this properly but from the little that’s been said, they want the tour to go ahead.”
Now it has emerged that Paul – one of the first S Club 7 recruits – had spoken of his excitement at being on stage again less than 24 hours before he died.
A fan told The Sun : “I was a big fan of S Club back in the day... I knew Paul lived in the area and he was very happy and chatty when I introduced myself.
“He told me the band were going back on tour and couldn’t hide how excited he was about it. He was buzzing when he said, ‘I’m going to smash it – it will be brilliant!”
Paul is said to have told the fan he was off for lunch with a friend as they parted.
The next day the singer was confirmed dead hours after being found at his flat in Wareham, Dorset.
A statement from his bandmates said: "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 statement from Paul’s family added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
“Paul was found on 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.”
Paul joined S Club 7 at the age of 22 after falling in love with the stage at the National Youth Music Theatre.
It was here that he met fellow S Club star Hannah – who he later dated.
The group, who sold more than 10 million albums and had four No1 singles, went on to win BRIT Awards for Best British Breakthrough Act and their 2001 single Don’t Stop Movin’.
Other top hits included Reach, S Club Party, Never Had A Dream Come True and Have You Ever.
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