S Club 7 member Rachel Stevens has broken her silence following the tragic death of band member, Paul Cattermole.
The 46-year-old singer's death was announced last week, leaving his bandmates and his ex-girlfriend Hannah Spearritt in complete shock.
Jo O'Meara and Tina Barrett both shared their memories of their late bandmate on social media earlier today, with Rachel adding to the individual tributes this evening.
Sharing a picture of Paul on Instagram, Rachel wrote: "Thank you so much for all your beautiful messages of love and support The outpouring 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.
"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."
A statement issued at the time by his bandmates said that they were 'truly devastated' by his loss.
Tributes have since been paid by fans and his bandmate Tina took to Instagram this afternoon to thank fans for their support at such a difficult time following Paul's death.
Alongside a photo of Paul performing on stage alongside his bandmates, she wrote in her post: "Thank you for all your well wishes and support in this tragic time."
Tina further commented: "I wrote a poem for Paul I'd like to share with you all". She continued by posting the poem itself, which paid tribute to her late bandmate Paul.
The poem read: "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".
She concluded the post by writing: "Miss you Cattermole love Tina."
Following Paul’s death being announced last Friday, S Club 7 mastermind and manager Simon Fuller paid tribute to the late singer.
The music mogul said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news and that Paul would be “greatly missed”.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Mr Fuller said: “Paul was a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans and he will be greatly missed. “We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news”.
Formed by Spice Girls manager Mr Fuller, S Club 7 spent five years at the top with four UK Number One singles, one UK Number One album and sold over 10 million albums worldwide, before splitting in 2003.
They made a short comeback as a three-piece back in 2008 shortly after Jo O'Meara's controversial appearance in Celebrity Big Brother, along with Paul and Bradley McIntosh, with changing members leading to the band being rebranded as S Club Allstars.
The full line-up reunited for an appearance on Children In Need in 2014 and the mega Bring It All Back tour in 2015, but their upcoming tour would have been their first performance together in eight years as a seven-piece band.
It has since been announced that the tour scheduled to begin in October this year will go ahead following Paul’s untimely death.
In a statement issued in February announcing their tour plans, S Club 7 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!"
Paul was thought to be looking forward to getting back on stage with his bandmates once again but sadly, his death was announced via a family statement on Friday (April 7).
It 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.
"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’s S Club 7 bandmates added: "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."
