S Club 7's Hannah Spearritt has broken her silence and paid tribute to her ex-boyfriend and fellow bandmate Paul Cattermole after his tragic death.
This week, the family of the 46-year-old announced that he had sadly passed away which prompted fans and famous friends to flood social media with tributes and memories of the late star.
Paul was found dead in his Dorset home on Thursday just one day after he was pictured looking in good spirits as he enjoyed a walk in the countryside.
S Club 7 members Tina Barrett, Jo OMeara and Rachel Stevens all paid tribute to Paul on their social media pages and thanked fans for their support following the sad news.
Hannah Spearritt and Paul dated for several years, and she has now spoken out for the first time.
Hannah found out the news by a text message from their tour manager who said she had "very sad and tragic news".
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Hannah said: "I couldn’t make sense of it and had so many questions. I was trying to process it but I just couldn't."
Hannah went on to add: "I'm trying my best to hold it together but once I start, I can't stop crying."
"My heart is broken for him and his family, he was happier than he had been in years, so for this to happen now, makes it even more heartbreaking."
The ex couple met with a mediator earlier this year to "clear the air" so that they would be able to work with one another once again.
Hannah last saw her ex-partner just weeks before his death while they were filming a skit for Red Nose Day.
The singer was said to be 'absolutely devastated' - particularly as she had just rekindled her friendship with him.
The former couple reportedly met up for a coffee in January this year in order to put the past behind them and move forward, following a bitter breakup in 2015.
Hannah, 41, and Paul, 46, dated for five years before splitting in 2006, rekindling their romance for the last time in 2015.
The pair publicly differed on why their relationship didn't work out - with Paul implying Hannah 'prioritised her career' over their romance and Hannah hitting back denying the claims.
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