Hannah Spearritt has broken her silence and paid tribute to her ex-boyfriend and S Club 7 bandmate Paul Cattermole.
Paul's untimely death at the age of 46 was announced by his family and his band on Friday, with fans and famous friends flooding social media with tributes and sharing their memories of the late star.
The musician, 46, was found dead in his Dorset home on Thursday - just one day on from the star being snapped looking in good spirits as he enjoyed a walk in the countryside.
S Club 7 stars Tina Barrett, Jo OMeara and Rachel Stevens all took to Instagram on Monday night to share personal tributes to Paul and thank fans for their support following the news breaking of their bandmate's death.
Hannah, who dated Paul for several years, has now spoken for the first time.
Hannah explained that she had woken up to a text message from their tour manager who said she had "very sad and tragic news"."
I couldn’t make sense of it and had so many questions. I was trying to process it but I just couldn't," she said.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, 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 former 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.
However, she last saw her ex-boyfriend just weeks before his death while they were filming a skit for Red Nose Day.
Prior to Hannah's tribute, it was reported Paul's death came as a 'massive shock' to Hannah and the mum-of-two was said to 'absolutely devastated' - particularly as she had just rekindled her friendship with her former partner.
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.
But the former couple resolved their issues and put the past behind them after meeting up just months before Paul's sad death.
"They have sorted out their differences and are even on good terms now for the first time since they can remember," a source claimed earlier this year.
"The whole group are doing the reunion tour and it was important for them to move forward so no one felt awkward."
The insider added to the MailOnline how "everyone wants this to be a time for all involved to relive the magic" and create some new memories together.
Hannah's tribute to Paul follows bandmate Rachel describing the late star as "a kind, gentle and sensitive soul."
Captioning a picture of Paul on her Instagram page on Monday night, the singer 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."
Rachel's bandmate Jo also paid tribute on Instagram the same day.
She told her followers: "I just wanted to reach out and thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the love and kindness you have shown over the tragic passing of our sweetest soul Paul.
" This has been utterly devastating , and I am totally shocked and heartbroken.
"We have lost someone so incredibly special to us all , and there is a huge sense of sadness that will never go.
"Paul will forever be a huge part of our lives , and I will forever treasure the memories we made ! I will love you always Paul , God bless you my darling , Rest in forever Peace. Love JoJo."
Tina opted to share a heartbreaking poem as she remembered Paul online on Monday.
Alongside a photo of Paul performing on stage alongside the rest of S Club 7, 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 posted by Tina 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 - which has already amassed thousands of likes on the platform - by writing: "Miss you Cattermole love Tina." She included a broken heart emoji.
In a statement issued in February this year, S Club 7 announced a reunion tour to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary.
Paul left the group in 2002 following the release of their third album. The following year, the remaining members - then known simply as S Club - decided to disband.
But fans were delighted when the band shared a statement just weeks before Paul's death.
S Club 7 told fans: "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!"
Tickets went on sale later the same month, with more dates added due to demand.
It has not yet been confirmed if the band will go ahead with the scheduled dates following Paul's tragic passing last week.
