Paul Cattermole revealed he would have given up fame for "true love" as he admitted the limelight "isn't the route to happiness", in a resurfaced interview.
The S Club 7 singer was found dead aged 47 at his Dorset home on Friday [April 7], just months before he was set to embark on a much-anticipated reunion tour.
The band sold more than 10 million records with chart-toppers Reach, Don't Stop Movin' and Never Had A Dream Come True.
Yet, Paul made a candid admission about fame when he appeared on the matchmaking reality series First Dates Hotel in 2019.
"Fame isn't the route to happiness, money isn't the route to happiness, being with somebody you love is," he revealed.
"Would I have traded the success and the number ones for one true love? I think [so], yeah."
Paul found his career had made it difficult to keep a long-term romance.
He admitted: "The life I've had made it tough to get to grips with what made a real relationship."
The singer was in a relationship with fellow S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt which they kept secret for six months before going public in 2001.
They carried on seeing each other when Paul left the group the following year, but the couple split in 2006.
The pair got back together in June 2015 and were seen snogging on the tube, but they broke up again in November of that year.
Paul and Hannah were on good terms before his tragic death, having met up earlier this year to 'resolve their issues following years of disputes'.
They were both said to be looking forward to performing together once again, ahead of their band S Club 7 reuniting for a series of gigs set to begin in October this year.
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.”
It has been reported S Club 7 have vowed to go ahead with their 25th-anniversary reunion tour after the death of bandmate Paul.
One source said: “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."
